Identities & Ledger
Manage digital identities and ICP ledger operations - Create, import, and manage identities with comprehensive ICP functionality
The Identities page is a crucial component of the DFX Dashboard, providing comprehensive identity management and ICP ledger functionality. This powerful interface allows you to create, import, and manage digital identities while performing various ICP operations and tracking transaction history.
Overview
The Identities page is organized into two main tabs with comprehensive functionality:
Identities
Create, import, and manage digital identities for Internet Computer development
Ledger
Comprehensive ICP operations including account management, transfers, and transaction history
Identities you create are global and not confined to a specific project context. They can be used across all your Internet Computer projects and are essential for interacting with the IC network.
Identities Management
The Identities tab provides a comprehensive interface for managing your digital identities with the following features:
Identity List Features
Identity Count
Displays total number of identities at the top of the page
Search Functionality
Real-time search across all identity names
Grid Layout
Clean 3-column grid layout for easy identity browsing
Identity Card Features
Each identity is displayed as a card with the following information and actions:
Creating a New Identity
The identity creation process provides multiple options through a tabbed interface:
New Identity Tab
Open Creation Dialog
Click the “Create New Identity” button in the top right corner
Select New Identity Tab
The “New Identity” tab is selected by default in the modal
Enter Identity Details
- Identity Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “alice”)
- Options: Expand for advanced configuration options
Configure Advanced Options
- HSM Key ID: Hardware Security Module key identifier (optional)
- Storage Mode: Choose password-protected, plain-text, or no storage mode
- Force: Overwrite existing identity if it exists
Create Identity
Click “Create” to generate the new identity with cryptographic keys
Always safeguard the private keys associated with your identities. Never share them or store them in unsecured locations. Consider using hardware wallets for high-value identities.
Importing an Existing Identity
Import existing identities from PEM files with comprehensive configuration options:
Import Process
Open Import Tab
Click “Create New Identity” and select the “Import Existing” tab
Provide Identity Information
- Identity Name: Enter a descriptive name for the imported identity
- PEM File: Select the PEM file containing the identity’s key information
Configure Import Options
- Storage Mode: Choose how the identity should be stored
- Force: Overwrite existing identity if name conflicts occur
Complete Import
Click “Import” to add the identity to DFX Dashboard
Storage Mode Options
Before importing, ensure your PEM file is stored in a secure location. After successful import, consider moving the file to encrypted or offline storage for added security.
Internet Identity Integration
The DFX Dashboard supports Internet Identity for enhanced security and seamless IC integration:
Internet Identity Login
Access Internet Identity Tab
Click “Create New Identity” and select “Internet Identity”
Review Current Status
The dialog shows your current login status and principal if already logged in
Authenticate
Click “Login” to authenticate using your Internet Identity
Complete Authentication
Follow the browser-based authentication flow to complete setup
Internet Identity provides biometric authentication and device-based security. The login process opens in your browser and automatically creates the identity in DFX Dashboard upon successful authentication.
Ledger Functionality
The Ledger tab provides comprehensive ICP (Internet Computer Protocol) token management through three specialized sub-tabs:
Account Management Tab
Manage your current identity’s ICP account with comprehensive tools:
Operations Tab
Perform various ICP-related operations with comprehensive functionality:
Send ICP to Other Accounts
Transfer Process:
- Recipient: Enter destination account ID or principal
- Amount: Specify ICP amount to transfer (with fee calculation)
- Network: Select local or Internet Computer network
- Execute: Send the transfer with confirmation dialog
Features:
- Real-time fee calculation
- Address validation
- Network selection
- Transaction confirmation
Send ICP to Other Accounts
Transfer Process:
- Recipient: Enter destination account ID or principal
- Amount: Specify ICP amount to transfer (with fee calculation)
- Network: Select local or Internet Computer network
- Execute: Send the transfer with confirmation dialog
Features:
- Real-time fee calculation
- Address validation
- Network selection
- Transaction confirmation
Deploy New Canisters Funded with ICP
Creation Process:
- Amount: Specify ICP amount to convert to cycles
- Network: Choose target network for deployment
- Create: Deploy new canister funded with converted cycles
- Configuration: Set initial canister parameters
Features:
- ICP to cycles conversion
- Network-specific deployment
- Automatic canister creation
- Initial funding setup
Add Cycles to Existing Canisters
Top-up Process:
- Canister ID: Enter the canister identifier to top up
- Amount: Specify ICP amount for cycle conversion
- Network: Select appropriate network
- Top Up: Add cycles to the specified canister
Features:
- Canister ID validation
- Cycle calculation
- Network compatibility check
- Balance verification
Generate Cycles for Local Development
Fabrication Process:
- Amount: Specify cycles to fabricate
- Local Only: Available only on local development networks
- Generate: Create cycles for development and testing
- Testing: Use for canister development and debugging
Features:
- Local network only
- Development-focused
- No real ICP cost
- Testing environment support
Transaction History Tab
Track and monitor all your ICP transactions with detailed information:
Identity Management Best Practices
ICP Operations Best Practices
Troubleshooting
Additional Resources
Digital Identity on IC
Understanding digital identity concepts and authentication
Internet Identity Specification
Technical specification for Internet Identity integration
ICP Ledger Documentation
Complete ICP ledger integration and operation guide
DFX Identity Commands
Command line reference for identity management
Security Best Practices
Comprehensive security guidelines for IC development
Cycle Management Guide
Understanding cycles and canister funding strategies
Ready to explore wallet management? Continue to the Wallet page to learn about advanced wallet operations and management.