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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.

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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.

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Identities Management

Identities List The Identities tab provides a comprehensive interface for managing your digital identities with the following features:

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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

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Identity Card Features

Each identity is displayed as a card with the following information and actions:
  • Avatar: Unique avatar generated for each identity
  • Name: Identity name (truncated for Internet Identity)
  • Type: Local Identity or Internet Identity
  • Status: Active badge for currently selected identity
  • Select: Set identity as active for current session
  • Edit/Details: Rename local identities or view Internet Identity details
  • Delete: Remove identity (with protection for system identities)
  • Protected Identities: “anonymous” and “default” cannot be deleted

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Creating a New Identity

Create New Identity The identity creation process provides multiple options through a tabbed interface:

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New Identity Tab

1

Open Creation Dialog

Click the “Create New Identity” button in the top right corner
2

Select New Identity Tab

The “New Identity” tab is selected by default in the modal
3

Enter Identity Details

  • Identity Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “alice”)
  • Options: Expand for advanced configuration options
4

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
5

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.

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Importing an Existing Identity

Import Existing Identity Import existing identities from PEM files with comprehensive configuration options:

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Import Process

1

Open Import Tab

Click “Create New Identity” and select the “Import Existing” tab
2

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
3

Configure Import Options

  • Storage Mode: Choose how the identity should be stored
  • Force: Overwrite existing identity if name conflicts occur
4

Complete Import

Click “Import” to add the identity to DFX Dashboard

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Storage Mode Options

  • Security: Highest security level with password encryption
  • Use Case: Recommended for production and sensitive identities
  • Access: Requires password for each use
  • Security: Lower security, keys stored in plain text
  • Use Case: Development and CI environments
  • Risk: Keys are accessible without additional protection
  • Behavior: Uses default dfx storage behavior
  • Flexibility: Allows dfx to determine appropriate storage method
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.

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Internet Identity Integration

The DFX Dashboard supports Internet Identity for enhanced security and seamless IC integration:

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Internet Identity Login

1

Access Internet Identity Tab

Click “Create New Identity” and select “Internet Identity”
2

Review Current Status

The dialog shows your current login status and principal if already logged in
3

Authenticate

Click “Login” to authenticate using your Internet Identity
4

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.

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Ledger Functionality

The Ledger tab provides comprehensive ICP (Internet Computer Protocol) token management through three specialized sub-tabs:

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Account Management Tab

Ledger Account Management Manage your current identity’s ICP account with comprehensive tools:
Account Information Display:
  • Principal Display: Shows your current identity’s principal ID with copy functionality
  • Account ID: Displays the corresponding account identifier with copy functionality
  • ICP Balance: Real-time balance checking with manual refresh capability
  • Network Status: Shows which network the balance is fetched from
Conversion Tools:
  • Input Field: Enter any principal to convert to account ID
  • Validation: Ensures valid principal format before conversion
  • Copy Result: One-click copying of converted account IDs
  • Batch Processing: Convert multiple principals efficiently

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Operations Tab

Ledger Operations Perform various ICP-related operations with comprehensive functionality:
  • Transfer ICP
  • Create Canister
  • Top Up Canister
  • Fabricate Cycles

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Send ICP to Other Accounts

Transfer Process:
  1. Recipient: Enter destination account ID or principal
  2. Amount: Specify ICP amount to transfer (with fee calculation)
  3. Network: Select local or Internet Computer network
  4. Execute: Send the transfer with confirmation dialog
Features:
  • Real-time fee calculation
  • Address validation
  • Network selection
  • Transaction confirmation

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Transaction History Tab

Transaction History Track and monitor all your ICP transactions with detailed information:
Comprehensive transaction monitoring:
  • Real-time Updates: Fetches latest transaction data automatically
  • Transaction Details: Shows type, amount, fees, and status
  • Block Heights: Links to blockchain records for verification
  • Search and Filter: Find specific transactions quickly
  • Export Options: Download transaction history for records
Detailed transaction data:
  • Transaction Hash: Unique identifier for each transaction
  • Type: Transfer, canister creation, top-up, etc.
  • Amount: ICP amount involved in the transaction
  • Fees: Network fees paid for the transaction
  • Status: Completed, pending, or failed status
  • Timestamp: When the transaction occurred
  • Block Height: Blockchain block containing the transaction

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Identity Management Best Practices

Optimize your identity workflow:
  • Descriptive Names: Use clear, purpose-driven names for easy identification
  • Environment Separation: Use different identities for development and production
  • Project Context: Consider creating project-specific identities
  • Regular Cleanup: Remove unused identities to maintain organization
Maintain security best practices:
  • Backup Strategy: Regularly backup important identity information
  • Private Key Security: Never share private keys or seed phrases
  • Hardware Wallets: Consider hardware wallets for high-value identities
  • Access Control: Use appropriate storage modes for different use cases
Manage active identity effectively:
  • Context Switching: Switch identities based on current task
  • Verification: Always verify active identity before operations
  • Session Management: Understand identity persistence across sessions
  • Network Awareness: Ensure identity compatibility with target networks

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ICP Operations Best Practices

Optimize your ICP operations:
  • Balance Monitoring: Regularly check ICP balance and set up alerts
  • Fee Awareness: Account for network fees in all transfer calculations
  • Address Verification: Always verify recipient addresses before transfers
  • Network Selection: Ensure you’re using the correct network for operations
Streamline development operations:
  • Local Testing: Use local network and fabricate cycles for development
  • Staging Environment: Test operations on testnets before mainnet
  • Cycle Management: Monitor canister cycle consumption patterns
  • Backup Funding: Maintain backup funding sources for critical canisters
Maintain comprehensive records:
  • Transaction History: Regularly review transaction history
  • Documentation: Document important transactions and their purposes
  • Audit Trail: Maintain audit trails for compliance and debugging
  • Export Data: Regularly export transaction data for external records

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Troubleshooting

Common identity problems and solutions:Problem: Unable to create identity
  • Check if identity name already exists
  • Verify identity name follows naming conventions
  • Ensure sufficient permissions for identity creation
  • Try using a different identity name
Problem: Import identity fails
  • Verify PEM file format and validity
  • Check file permissions and accessibility
  • Ensure PEM file contains correct key information
  • Try different storage mode options
Problem: Internet Identity login issues
  • Clear browser cache and restart DFX Dashboard
  • Ensure stable internet connection
  • Try using different browser or incognito mode
  • Check Internet Identity service status
Common ledger problems and solutions:Problem: Balance not showing or incorrect
  • Ensure you’re connected to the correct network
  • Use the refresh button to manually update balance
  • Check network connectivity for IC operations
  • Verify identity has been used for transactions
Problem: Transfer failures
  • Check recipient address format and validity
  • Ensure sufficient balance for transfer and fees
  • Verify network selection matches intended destination
  • Check for network congestion or maintenance
Problem: Canister operations fail
  • Verify canister ID format and existence
  • Ensure sufficient ICP balance for cycle conversion
  • Check network compatibility and status
  • Verify canister permissions and controllers
Network-related problems:Problem: Local network errors
  • ICP Ledger may not be installed on local network
  • Ensure local dfx network is running properly
  • Check dfx version compatibility (requires 0.25.0+)
  • Restart local replica if operations fail
Problem: Transaction delays
  • IC transactions may take time to confirm on mainnet
  • Check transaction status in the history tab
  • Verify network congestion status
  • Monitor block height progression
Problem: Account ID conversion issues
  • Verify principal format is correct
  • Check for typos in principal string
  • Ensure principal is valid IC principal
  • Try copying principal directly from source

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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.
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