Ordinals Glossary
What is CBOR metadata?
CBOR metadata is structured inscription metadata encoded in the Concise Binary Object Representation format. In Bitcoin Ordinals, it is commonly attached through inscription envelope tag 5.
Think of CBOR as a compact binary cousin of JSON. It stores structured fields such as names, attributes, external references, or collection details in a smaller and more machine-friendly format.
In the Ordinals ecosystem, CBOR metadata matters because it lets inscriptions carry more organized information than raw text alone. Indexers, explorers, and tools can read it and present cleaner interfaces around inscriptions.
Why creators use it
- To attach structured metadata to inscriptions.
- To keep metadata compact compared with verbose text formats.
- To support richer tooling and parsing across marketplaces and explorers.
Where it appears
You will usually encounter CBOR metadata inside inscription envelopes, especially when working with custom inscription builders, advanced ord workflows, or metadata-aware parsers.
Relevant tools
- CBOR Metadata Generator to build and preview inscription metadata.
- Inscription Envelope Viewer to inspect parsed tags and metadata.
- Guides for Bitcoin Ordinals for the wider context around inscription structure.