# How to create Validator Keys?

### **Prerequisites**

**a.** A compatible wallet (currently only supports [**Metamask**](https://metamask.io/)) that holds more than 32 Eth

**b.** Generate `deposit_data-timestamp.json` which can be done through the [**deposit-cli tool**](https://github.com/ethereum/staking-deposit-cli/releases/). 

{% hint style="info" %}
Specifically, what we actually need is the `withdrawal_credentials` within the `deposit_data-timestamp.json`
{% endhint %}

### 1. Generating `deposit_data`/`withdrawal_credentials`

**Step 1:** Download the deposit CLI app [**here**](https://github.com/ethereum/staking-deposit-cli/releases/), ensuring you've selected the right one for your operating system.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please make sure that you are downloading from the Ethereum Foundation's official GitHub account - <https://github.com/ethereum/staking-deposit-cli/releases/>
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/Kj8ESdLxaXtoGyDyYOpt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select the corresponding executable for your operating system</p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 2:** Once the download is complete, uncompress the downloaded file.

**Step 3:** Open your command line/terminal.

<figure><img src="/files/vBf3kcJDqrjKK6lwY5wr" alt=""><figcaption><p>Open a terminal</p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 4:** navigate (`cd`) to the directory containing the executable **`deposit`** file.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/E97T81QHpmU1isKuXRxL" alt=""><figcaption><p><code>cd</code> to the directory containing the executable</p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 5:** Run the executable with the following command `deposit.exe new-mnemonic --num_validators 1 --chain mainnet` for Windows and `./deposit new-mnemonic --num_validators 1 --chain mainnet` for Linux or MacOS.

<figure><img src="/files/f6HzbnEuhHzfXkj0YX2P" alt=""><figcaption><p>Generate keys &#x26; <code>deposit_data</code></p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 6:** <mark style="color:red;">Please note down the mnemonic phrase</mark> and locate the `deposit_data` file

<figure><img src="/files/MILXuaq2PJN1ib4BOpL8" alt=""><figcaption><p><code>deposit_data</code> file will be uploaded to ChainUp Cloud later</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
You can find alternative key generating tools [here](https://ethereum.org/en/staking/solo/#key-generators) recommended by the Ethereum foundation.
{% endhint %}


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