zkSync Ecosystem Interaction Tutorial

To make it easier and more efficient to engage with the zkSync Era ecosystem—and to boost your chances of qualifying for upcoming airdrops—Web3 wallets have organized zkSync ecosystem projects into six core categories: cross-chain, DEX, lending, contracts, NFTs, and domains. For each category, you'll find step-by-step tutorials for flagship projects. Follow these guides to seamlessly interact with different DApps using wallets compatible with the zkSync ecosystem.

Cross-Chain Projects

Cross-chain solutions play a critical role in the zkSync ecosystem, enabling you to move assets between blockchains. Leading projects include zkSync Era Bridge, Orbiter Finance, and Celer Network. For illustration, let's walk through the Orbiter Finance onboarding process.

Start by preparing your assets: use your wallet's Swap feature to transfer ETH from the Ethereum mainnet to zkSync Era. After launching your Web3 wallet, select Swap, choose the mainnet and token, and confirm by entering your password.

To add the zkSync Era network, open your wallet app, select "All Mainnets" (top right), tap "+ Add Mainnet," and search for "zkSync." In the DApp browser, search for "Orbiter Finance," select "zkSync Era Mainnet," and confirm entry. The DApp automatically connects to your wallet, allowing you to select the mainnet and amount to swap before confirming with your password. This workflow applies to all cross-chain projects in the zkSync ecosystem.

DEX Projects

Decentralized exchanges are a foundation of the zkSync ecosystem, offering diverse options for token swaps and liquidity. Key DEX platforms include iZUMi Finance, SyncSwap, Velocore, Mute.io, SpaceFi, Rhino.fi, Onchain Trade, Maverick Protocol, and MES Protocol. Always choose token pairs with high liquidity to minimize slippage.

With iZUMi Finance, start by accessing your wallet’s DApp browser, searching for "Izumi Finance," and confirming the selection. Inside the app, tap "iZiSwap" at the bottom, pick your token, enter the amount, and confirm the swap. To add liquidity, return to the main screen, select "Liquidity," tap "+," and choose your token pair and fee tier. The system auto-calculates the second token amount based on your first entry; approve token use and confirm the transaction.

For SyncSwap, first fund your wallet with ETH on zkSync Era via a cross-chain transfer. Next, open the DApp browser, search "Syncswap," and connect your wallet via the logo in the bottom left. After connecting, enter the token pair for your swap and confirm. To join liquidity pools, open the top-right menu, select "Pool," choose a pool, go to Deposit, specify your amount, and confirm by entering your password.

Lending Projects

Lending platforms like ReactorFusion and Eralend allow you to supply assets as collateral and take out decentralized loans in the zkSync ecosystem. We'll use Eralend as an example to outline the full cycle: supply, borrow, and repay assets.

First, transfer ETH to zkSync Era via cross-chain. Then, access Eralend through your wallet’s DApp browser. Your wallet auto-connects if zkSync Era is already added; otherwise, connect manually. Once connected, select the token to supply or use as collateral, and enable "Use as collateral" if you plan to borrow later. Approve token usage and confirm your supply.

To borrow, after using ETH as collateral, request USDC. Select "USDC," tap "Borrow," enter your desired amount (up to the maximum limit), and confirm the transaction. Keep in mind: borrowing incurs interest and carries liquidation risk.

To repay your loan, select "USDC," tap "Repay," approve USDC use, enter the repayment amount, tap "Repay," and confirm. This streamlined process lets you efficiently manage assets on zkSync lending platforms.

NFT Projects

The zkSync ecosystem hosts a variety of NFT platforms—including Mint Square, zk Bored Apes, zkEagles, and zkApe—where users can mint, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens on zkSync Era.

With Mint Square, start by adding zkSync Era to your wallet: select "All Mainnets," tap "+ Add Mainnet," and search "zkSync." Next, use the DApp browser to find "Mint Square" and confirm.

To connect your wallet, tap the wallet icon (top right), select "connect wallet," and choose your supported wallet. Once connected, to mint an NFT, tap "Mint," upload your image, fill in all required fields (marked with an asterisk), review your info, and complete the mint. This workflow applies to other NFT projects, making it easy to create and manage unique digital assets in zkSync.

Futures Projects

Futures trading platforms like UniDex deliver leveraged trading for advanced users in the zkSync ecosystem. Make sure to transfer ETH to zkSync Era before you start.

To begin, add zkSync Era to your wallet and access UniDex via the DApp browser. Tap the wallet icon (bottom right), select "Connect Wallet," and choose your wallet for connection.

On the trading platform, tap "Leverage" to view your account’s buying power. Approve USDC for trading and confirm the transaction. Once approved, enter your trade amount, select your leverage multiplier, and open a "Long" (buy) or "Short" (sell) position. Review the order details, confirm, and complete the trade.

To close an open position, return to the trading dashboard, scroll down, and tap the "x" icon. Review the details, select "Close Position," and confirm to finalize. This process enables efficient management of leveraged trades in zkSync.

Domain Projects

Decentralized domain platforms—such as zkSync Name Service and ZNS Domain—let you register blockchain-based domain names, making wallet addresses easier to recognize and remember in the zkSync ecosystem.

For zkSync Name Service, start by adding zkSync Era to your wallet using the standard steps. Next, open the DApp browser, search "zkSync Name Service (zkNS)," and confirm. Your wallet connects automatically.

To register a domain, enter your desired name, tap "Search," and if available, proceed to mint. Select your registration duration, tap "Register with ETH," and confirm. Registration takes less than three minutes with a Web3 wallet.

After registration, view your domain details from the DApp’s main page by tapping the "Person" icon. In this section, you can extend your registration period and set personal info—including wallet address, website, email, or an NFT profile image. Each update requires confirmation and a Gas fee to record the change on-chain.

Conclusion

The zkSync ecosystem delivers broad opportunities for engagement across a spectrum of project categories. Whether you’re transferring assets cross-chain, swapping tokens and providing liquidity, leveraging assets as collateral, minting unique NFTs, trading futures, or securing decentralized domains, zkSync covers it all.

Web3 wallets act as all-in-one gateways, streamlining access to every zkSync ecosystem project with a unified interface and standardized processes. As shown in these tutorials, the essential steps are consistent: add the zkSync Era network, connect your wallet, authorize transactions, and confirm your operations.

User-friendly design, fast transaction speeds, and low fees make zkSync an attractive choice for exploring DeFi. By following these detailed guides, you can maximize your participation opportunities and potentially increase your chances of future airdrops—while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge blockchain technology in a secure, efficient environment.

FAQ

What is zkSync?

zkSync is a Layer 2 protocol for Ethereum leveraging zkRollup technology to deliver scalable, low-cost transactions without relying on intermediaries. It enhances Ethereum’s speed and reduces transaction fees.

What are the disadvantages of zkSync?

Key drawbacks include its technical complexity due to advanced cryptography, high computational requirements for generating zero-knowledge proofs, and a steep learning curve for developers. zkSync also faces compatibility limitations with select EVM standards.

What is the future of zkSync?

zkSync’s outlook is strong, with faster transaction speeds and pioneering solutions for crypto payroll and decentralized banking. It’s positioned as a leading provider of enterprise payment solutions and banking for web3 startups.