Deploy a dApp with ArDrive Web
Create permanent dApps using the ArDrive web interface. This guide shows you how to deploy your dApp or website to the permaweb using ArDrive's user-friendly interface.
What You'll Learn
- How to deploy dApps using ArDrive web
- Creating manifests for proper file routing
- Assigning friendly ArNS names
- Updating your dApp with new versions
Prerequisites
For simple apps and websites:
- Your dApp files ready for deployment
- ArDrive account (free to create)
For advanced applications:
- dApp prepared with hash routing and relative file paths
- Static files built (for frameworks like React)
- Learn more about preparing your dApp for deployment
Step-by-Step Deployment
Log into ArDrive
Go to the ArDrive web app and log in using your preferred method. If you don't have an account, follow the instructions to create one.
Select or Create a Drive
Navigate to the drive where you want your project hosted. If you need a new drive:
- Click the big red "New" button at the top left
- Create a new drive
- Important: Set the drive to public for others to access your dApp
Upload Your Project
With your drive selected:
- Click the big red "New" button again
- Select "Upload Folder"
- Navigate to your project's root directory (or built directory if required)
- Select the entire directory to maintain your project's file structure
Confirm Upload
Review the upload and associated cost. If everything looks correct, click "Confirm".
Cost Note: Uploading to Arweave isn't free, but costs are usually quite small compared to the benefits of permanent hosting.
Create the Manifest
While ArDrive displays files as a traditional file structure, they don't actually exist that way on Arweave. The manifest acts as a map to all your dApp files:
- Navigate into your newly created folder by double-clicking it
- Click the big red "New" button again
- Select "New Manifest" in the "Advanced" section
- Name the manifest and save it inside the folder you just created
Get the Data TX ID
Once the manifest is created:
- Click on it to expand its details
- Go to the "Details" tab
- Find the "Data TX ID" on the bottom right
- Copy this unique identifier for your dApp
View and Share Your dApp
Your dApp is now live on the permaweb forever!
- Append the Data TX ID to an Arweave gateway URL:
https://arweave.net/YOUR-TX-ID - It may take a few minutes for files to propagate through the network
- Once propagated, your dApp is accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time
Assign a Friendly Name (Optional)
Make your dApp easier to access with an ArNS name:
- If you own an ArNS name, you'll be prompted during manifest creation
- If not, purchase one from arns.app
- You can also assign an ArNS name later by clicking the three dots next to any file and selecting "Assign ArNS name"
Updating Your dApp
Files uploaded to Arweave are permanent and immutable - they cannot be changed. However, the Arweave File System (ArFS) protocol lets you "replace" them with new versions while keeping old ones accessible.
How Updates Work
To update your dApp:
- Make your changes and build the static directory
- Upload the entire folder again to the same location
- Follow the same steps as the original upload
- Create a new manifest with the same name as the old one
- The new manifest generates a new TX ID for the updated dApp
Important Notes:
- The old version remains accessible to anyone with the correct TX ID
- Old files won't display in ArDrive unless you view file history
- Each version gets its own unique transaction ID
Benefits of ArDrive Web Deployment
- User-friendly interface - No command line required
- Automatic manifest creation - Handles file routing for you
- Integrated ArNS support - Easy domain name assignment
- Version management - Built-in file history and updates
- Cost transparency - See upload costs before confirming
Ready to Deploy?
Try ArDrive Web
Deploy your dApp using the ArDrive web interface
Get an ArNS Name
Learn how to create friendly domain names for your dApp
Advanced Deployment
Explore more advanced deployment options and tools
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