When you create a Totem, you decide how the total supply gets distributed. This is done through allocations (assignments of tokens to different recipients), each with a specific purpose.
What Are Allocations?
Allocations define where your Totem’s supply goes at creation. Each allocation has:
- Recipient - Who receives the tokens (a wallet address or a minter mod)
- Amount - How many tokens they receive
- Label - A human-readable description (e.g., “Community Sale”, “Team Reserve”)
You can have multiple allocations, and they can go to different types of recipients.
Types of Recipients
Wallet Addresses
You can allocate tokens directly to any wallet address. These tokens are immediately available to that wallet once the Totem is created.
Common uses:
- Team allocation - Tokens for founders and contributors
- Treasury - Reserve for future initiatives
- Airdrops - Pre-assigned tokens for specific addresses
- Liquidity - Tokens set aside for exchange listings
Minter Mods
Minter mods are smart contracts that distribute tokens according to programmed rules.
When you allocate to a minter mod, those tokens become available through that mod’s logic.
Common minter types:
- Fixed price - Anyone can mint at a set price
- Bonding curve - Price increases with supply
- Allowlist - Only approved addresses can mint
- Free mint - No cost, first come first served
- Vesting schedule - Tokens released over time
Unlimited Minters
Some minter mods are marked as “unlimited.” Instead of distributing from a fixed allocation, they can mint new tokens on demand, increasing the total supply.
Unlimited minters:
- Don’t need a token allocation (set amount to 0)
- Can mint indefinitely
- Display warnings in the UI about unfixed supply
- Cannot be added after creation (security measure)
Use unlimited minters carefully. They’re powerful but can raise red flags.
Planning Your Allocation
Before creating your Totem, think through your distribution strategy.
Questions to Consider
What’s the total supply? Your allocations must add up to your maximum supply (unless using unlimited minters).
Who needs tokens at launch? Team members, early supporters, treasury; list everyone who should receive tokens immediately.
How will the public get tokens? Choose minter mods that match your distribution goals. A bonding curve rewards early buyers. A fixed price is simpler to understand.
Do you need reserves? Consider holding back tokens for future partnerships, liquidity, or community initiatives.
Example Allocation
Here’s how a typical Totem might be allocated:
| Recipient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding Curve Minter | 700,000 | Initial distribution |
| Team Wallet | 150,000 | Core contributors |
| Treasury | 100,000 | Future initiatives |
| Marketing Wallet | 50,000 | Partnerships & growth |
| Total | 1,000,000 |
Allocation Labels
Each allocation has a label that’s stored onchain and displayed in the UI. Make these clear and honest.
Good labels:
- “Team (12 month vesting)”
- “Community Treasury”
- “Liquidity Pool”
Avoid vague labels like “Reserve” or “Other”, they create uncertainty.
Common Patterns
Fair Launch
Allocate everything (or nearly everything) to a minter mod. No team allocation, no pre-mine.
- 100% to Public Minter
Team + Community
Split between team and public, with transparent labeling.
- 70% to Public Minter
- 20% to Team
- 10% to Treasury
Gradual Release
Use multiple minter mods with different mechanisms for staged distribution.
- 40% to Early Supporter Allowlist
- 40% to Public Bonding Curve
- 20% to Team
Things to Know
Allocations are permanent. Once your Totem is created, you can’t change how tokens were initially distributed.
Minter allocations are held by the mod. Tokens allocated to a minter mod sit in that contract until users mint them.
Unlimited minters don’t hold tokens. They mint new supply on demand rather than distributing from a balance.
Labels are public. Everyone can see your allocation breakdown onchain. Be transparent.
Common Mistakes
No public allocation - If all tokens go to wallets, there’s no way for the community to participate. Include at least one minter mod.
Unclear labeling - Vague allocation labels create suspicion. Be specific about what each allocation is for.
Over-allocating to team - Large team allocations can signal that insiders might dump.
Key Points
- Allocations define your initial token distribution
- Recipients can be wallets or minter mods
- Unlimited minters can mint beyond fixed supply
- Plan your allocation strategy before creating
- Use clear, honest labels
- Allocations are permanent once created