How to Use IPFS and Filecoin to Store Files in a Web3 Ecosystem

 The shift from Web2 to Web3 has introduced a new level of freedom and security when it comes to how we use and store data. No longer are we bound by centralized servers that can crash, be censored, or expose our data. The decentralized web offers alternatives—and among the most exciting are IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Filecoin.

If you’re building a Web3 project or just want to understand how to store files in this decentralized space, let me walk you through what I’ve personally discovered while working with these tools. This isn't theory—this is from hands-on experience. I’ve stored smart contract metadata, hosted front-end apps, and archived NFTs, all using IPFS and Filecoin. And I’ll show you how to do the same, in plain language.

Understanding the Foundations: What Are IPFS and Filecoin?

Let’s first ground ourselves in what we’re working with here.

IPFS, developed by Protocol Labs, is a peer-to-peer protocol designed to make the web faster, safer, and more open. Instead of locating files by where they are (like URLs do), IPFS finds them by what they are. Each file added to IPFS is given a unique hash. That hash can be used to retrieve the file—no matter where it’s stored—so long as someone is hosting it.

Now here’s the thing: IPFS by itself doesn’t guarantee permanence. Files might disappear if no node is actively keeping a copy. That’s where Filecoin comes in. It’s a decentralized storage network that works hand-in-hand with IPFS. Filecoin incentivizes storage providers (miners) to store files over the long term in exchange for FIL tokens.

So in practice, you upload a file to IPFS, and if you want that file to stick around, you make a deal on the Filecoin network to have it stored reliably. Think of IPFS as the delivery vehicle, and Filecoin as the warehouse that keeps it safe.

Setting Up the Tools to Interact with IPFS and Filecoin

I remember the first time I tried to use IPFS, I was overwhelmed. So many tools, so many acronyms. But once you know what you need, it becomes smooth.

You can choose one of two primary ways to work with IPFS and Filecoin:

• Do it locally with software like IPFS Desktop or via command line
• Use a pinning/storage service like Web3.Storage or NFT.Storage, which abstracts much of the complexity.

For beginners—and frankly even for experienced developers—I strongly recommend using Web3.Storage. It’s built by the same team behind IPFS and Filecoin and bridges both seamlessly.

Here’s how I typically do it when I want to upload and store a file:

• I sign up at web3.storage
• I generate an API token
• I use their SDK or HTTP API to upload files

This method stores files on IPFS immediately and backs them with Filecoin for persistence. It’s basically the easiest way to get going without spinning up your own IPFS node.

Uploading a File Using Web3.Storage

Here’s a simplified example of how I upload a file using JavaScript:

javascript

import { Web3Storage } from 'web3.storage'

function getAccessToken() {
  return 'YOUR_API_TOKEN'
}

function makeStorageClient() {
  return new Web3Storage({ token: getAccessToken() })
}

async function storeFiles(files) {
  const client = makeStorageClient()
  const cid = await client.put(files)
  console.log('Stored files with cid:', cid)
  return cid
}

This cid is what you’ll use to retrieve the files. You can view them on any public IPFS gateway like:
https://ipfs.io/ipfs/YOUR_CID_HERE

Now, let’s talk about what’s happening in the background.

What Happens When You Upload a File to IPFS?

When I upload a file, it doesn’t go to a single server. Instead, it gets split into chunks, hashed, and distributed across the IPFS network. Each file (and even each chunk) has its own unique content identifier (CID). That CID is immutable, meaning the content can’t change without generating a new hash. This ensures authenticity.

So if I store a JSON file, and someone tampers with even one letter in it, its CID will change. This makes IPFS incredibly powerful for verifying integrity.

But—and this is crucial—the file will only stay available as long as at least one node is hosting it. That’s where Filecoin or pinning services come into play.

Making Files Persistent with Filecoin

Filecoin isn’t just a passive backup system. It’s a marketplace. You can strike deals with storage providers to host your files for months or years.

Now, if you’re using a service like Web3.Storage, they already manage these storage deals for you in the background. Your files are automatically stored with redundancy across Filecoin nodes. You don’t have to manage miners or pay fees directly unless you’re doing something at scale.

But if you’re a builder working on custom applications or dealing with sensitive data, you might want more control. That’s when you can interact directly with Filecoin using tools like Lighthouse, Estuary, or the Lotus client.

When I wanted to get into more advanced Filecoin interactions, I explored Estuary (also by Protocol Labs). It allows uploading files, generating deals, and even monitoring them in real-time. It’s not as abstracted as Web3.Storage but offers more transparency.

Here’s what a typical deal process looks like when done manually:

• Upload your file to IPFS
• Select a Filecoin miner (based on price, location, reputation)
• Make a storage deal (you’ll pay in FIL)
• Monitor the deal via its Deal ID

Honestly, it felt like setting up a shipping contract. The difference is that this contract is on a blockchain, with smart contracts ensuring both parties uphold their end.

IPFS Gateways vs Native IPFS Retrieval

Another thing I learned early is the difference between using gateways and native IPFS. When you use a URL like https://ipfs.io/ipfs/CID, that’s a gateway fetching data from IPFS and serving it over HTTP. It’s convenient, but not truly decentralized because it relies on that particular gateway.

A more Web3-native way is using IPFS-compatible browsers like Brave or using libraries like js-ipfs to retrieve data from the peer-to-peer network directly. This ensures you're not depending on any centralized infrastructure.

But for most real-world applications—including NFT metadata, dApps, or personal backups—gateway access is totally fine, especially during early stages of development.

Real Use Case – Storing NFT Metadata

Let me share a quick real-world example. When I was building an NFT collection, each token needed a metadata JSON file that described its name, image, attributes, etc.

I uploaded all images and metadata to IPFS using Web3.Storage. For example:

• /images/image1.png → IPFS CID: QmImageCID
• /metadata/1.json:

json

{
  "name": "Galaxy Ape #1",
  "image": "ipfs://QmImageCID",
  "attributes": [
    { "trait_type": "Background", "value": "Cosmic" },
    { "trait_type": "Eyes", "value": "Laser" }
  ]
}

I uploaded the metadata JSONs, got their CIDs, and then used those CIDs as the tokenURI for each NFT. This ensured the metadata could never be tampered with—even if someone tried to change it on a centralized server.

And because I used a service backed by Filecoin, I didn’t have to worry about the data disappearing.

Common Pitfalls and What I Learned

One lesson that stuck with me was about garbage collection. When I ran my own IPFS node, I thought the files I added would live forever. They don’t. Unless you pin them, they’re at risk of being garbage-collected to save space.

Another lesson was about CID mutability. You can’t change a file and expect the same CID. So if you're building something like a blog or app hosted on IPFS, you have to use IPNS or DNSLink to point to the latest CID. These are pointers that can update as your content changes.

And finally, uploading large files can be tricky. IPFS chunks files automatically, but retrieval speed can vary based on how well the file is seeded (hosted). In production, I always make sure to pin large files to at least two services (e.g., Pinata + Web3.Storage).

The Role of IPFS and Filecoin in the Web3 Future

From hosting dApps, NFTs, DAOs, to even decentralized video platforms, IPFS and Filecoin are becoming the bedrock of how we store data in the new internet.

But beyond just tech, they represent a philosophy shift. Instead of trusting corporations to hold our data, we now have tools that let us take control. You store a file on IPFS, seal it with Filecoin, and the data lives beyond you, uncensorable and verifiable.

Even big players like OpenSea, Mirror, and Audius use IPFS/Filecoin under the hood. And if you're building anything in Web3—whether it’s a small NFT project or a full-fledged platform—these tools should be in your toolkit.

Tips from My Experience

• Always check your CIDs after upload using a public gateway.
• Use pinning services for important content even if you're also storing via Filecoin.
• For dApps, consider DNSLink to make your IPFS-hosted site accessible like a regular domain.
• Don’t ignore metadata—IPFS is great, but how you structure your data affects its accessibility and utility.

Conclusion

Working with IPFS and Filecoin has completely changed how I think about file storage and data permanence. These aren’t just tools—they’re part of a larger shift toward a decentralized, user-owned web.

Whether you’re just getting started or building the next big thing, integrating IPFS and Filecoin into your project is not only smart—it’s future-proof. I hope this guide made the process clearer, simpler, and maybe even a bit exciting for you.

If you’re ready to stop relying on centralized systems and want to embrace what Web3 offers, now’s the time to dive in. Start small, experiment, and see the power of decentralized storage for yourself.