What is Bridging?

A blockchain bridge is a tool that connects two separate blockchain networks to enable asset transfers between them. This includes bridges that connect Ethereum (“Layer 1” or “L1”) to Layer 2 (“L2”) networks like Zora Network or Optimism, which sit on top of Ethereum to enhance the speed and reduce the costs of performing onchain transactions. Zora Network's native bridge allows you to transfer your ETH from Ethereum to the Zora Network.

You must bridge your ETH to an L2 Zora to transact on the L2, for example, to create collections or mint NFTs. For example, if you want to mint an NFT listed on Zora Network, you will need to bridge some ETH to Zora Network to pay the necessary fees on Zora Network.

By bridging your ETH, you make it available within the L2 environment. When you bridge ETH to an L2 like Zora Network, your ETH will be usable on the L2 Network but will no longer be accessible on L1 Ethereum until such ETH has been withdrawn back to the L1. Importantly, your ETH remains in your cryptocurrency wallet - neither Zora nor any other third party takes custody, possession, or control of your funds.