FAQs

  • What is Fractal Bitcoin?

    Fractal is a Bitcoin-native scaling solution that virtualizes Bitcoin Core software into recursive layers. This allows Bitcoin to support faster, cheaper, and more expressive applications — all while staying fully compatible with Bitcoin’s rules and infrastructure. Fractal is not a fork or a separate ecosystem; it is a programmable extension of Bitcoin.

    → Learn more in our Fractal Primer


    Why is it called Fractal Bitcoin?

    What’s in a name? A fractal is a self-similar, recursive property. We believe that scaling Bitcoin requires every layer to possess the essence of fractals: consistent across all layers, with as many layers as required to scale, and logically sequenced. Essentially, fractals of Bitcoin!


    Why was Fractal created?

    Fractal emerged in response to rising Bitcoin mainnet congestion — especially during the BRC-20, Ordinals, and Runes boom in 2023–2024. It offers a native, scalable, and secure environment for Bitcoin activity to grow without compromising mainnet reliability.


    Why does Fractal care about virtualization?

    Fractal believes it is extremely important that applications are self-consistent with Bitcoin in order to scale effectively. Just as other chains care about chain compatibility and equivalence, Bitcoin applications should have their own standards that work perfectly with Bitcoin as well.


    Is Fractal a sidechain or Layer 2?

    Fractal functions as a system of recursive Bitcoin Core instances — not a traditional sidechain or L2. While it is merge-mined and operates independently, we retain full compatibility with Bitcoin’s rules, logic, and address formats. It’s more accurate to call Fractal an extension of Bitcoin, not a bridge away from it. Our core tenet is to be an extension of Bitcoin, enabling the growth and adoption of Bitcoin itself. We are only interested in solutions that are truly Bitcoin native.

    What are some use cases of Fractal?

    Stablecoins and other DeFi applications native to Bitcoin, Ordinals, large-scale games, and other applications are all easily supported on Fractal. All applications built on Fractal are completely compatible with Bitcoin natively.

  • What is the utility of the Fractal Token?

    The Fractal Token is called FB (Fractal Bitcoin).

    It’s used to:

    • Enable transaction fees

    • Access to nodes and services

    • Project launchpads

    • Govern ecosystem grants and upgrades

    • Bridge between recursive Fractal layers via the Fractal Elevator

    → View tokenomics

    Why not just use BTC for fees?

    FB allows deterministic fee logic, avoids bridge risk, and ensures reliable settlement across recursive layers — all while preserving optional Bitcoin mainnet finality.

    Where can I get FB tokens?

    FB is available on exchanges like HTX,Gate.io, KuCoin, and Bybit, and can be earned via mining, ecosystem participation, or liquidity provision.

  • How do I start building on Fractal?

    Visit docs.fractalbitcoin.io to access developer guides, tutorials, and API references. You can launch CAT20 tokens, build with OP_CAT, and integrate BRC-20 and Runes natively.

    What are CAT20 tokens?

    CAT20 is a Fractal-native token standard that supports expressive, Bitcoin-compatible smart contracts using OP_CAT. It allows programmable logic, dynamic asset issuance, and secure user flows — all within Bitcoin’s UTXO model.

    → Read more on CAT

    Can I port my dApp from Ethereum or Solana?

    Fractal doesn’t run EVM code, but many application patterns — such as swaps, vaults, or staking — can be replicated using OP_CAT and covenant logic. Fractal is more expressive than Ethereum in some dimensions and more minimal by design.

    What kind of apps can I build on Fractal?

    Builders have launched:

    • Decentralized exchanges (PizzaSwap)

    • Runes & Ordinals marketplaces

    • zk-based verifiers and atomic swaps

    • Infrastructure for OP_CAT scripting

    • On-chain games and virtual economies

    Head on to https://fractalecosystem.io/- the community-driven ecosystem directory to explore more.

  • What is Cadence Mining?

    Fractal uses a hybrid model:

    • 1/3 Merged Mining with Bitcoin (SHA256d, zero setup)

    • 2/3 Permissionless Mining for decentralization and new participants

    This model ensures both high security and open participation.

    Read more about cadence mining here.

    How does merged mining work?

    Bitcoin miners can mine Fractal blocks simultaneously, earning FB without additional energy or hardware. Over 50% of Bitcoin’s hashrate is currently merge-mining Fractal.

    Read more about merged mining here.

    Can anyone mine Fractal?

    Yes — you can solo mine or join permissionless pools using standard SHA256d ASICs. Fractal is designed to welcome new, independent miners while still benefiting from Bitcoin’s hashpower.

  • How do I bridge assets to Fractal?

    You can currently bridge BRC-20 tokens from Bitcoin mainnet to Fractal using whitelisted apps like UniSat's Simple Bridge at fractal.unisat.io. Bridging is trustless, protocol-compatible, and doesn’t rely on wrapped assets or EVM-based infrastructure.

    What wallets support Fractal?

    UniSat Wallet is fully integrated with Fractal. Because Fractal uses the same address format as Bitcoin, wallet compatibility is seamless — no new setup or conversions required.

    What is PizzaSwap?

    PizzaSwap is Fractal’s native AMM and liquidity layer. It supports CAT20, BRC-20, Runes, and Bitcoin-native assets — enabling fast, cheap, and trustless swaps.

  • Is Fractal governed by the community?

    Yes. Governance happens through Fractal Vote, a fully on-chain voting system powered by OP_CAT. Token holders can stake FB to propose upgrades, vote on treasury grants, and shape protocol evolution.

    Is Fractal open source?

    Yes — all source code, documentation, and network tools are public and on GitHub. Fractal encourages open development, transparency, and community contributions.

    → View code

    How do ecosystem grants work?

    Fractal offers retroactive and milestone-based grants. Projects are evaluated based on innovation, technical quality, and community contribution.

    → Apply for a grant

  • What is OP_CAT and why does it matter?

    OP_CAT is a re-enabled Bitcoin opcode that allows concatenation of data in script. On Fractal, OP_CAT powers secure smart contracts, recursive covenants, and modular logic across Bitcoin-native assets.

    → Learn about OP_CAT

    What are Bitcoin covenants?

    Covenants let you restrict how UTXOs can be spent — enabling things like vaults, decentralized governance, or time-locked contracts. Fractal supports expressive covenants through OP_CAT.

    → Learn more

    What’s the difference between CAT20, BRC-20, and Runes?

    • CAT20: Contract-enabled token standard native to Fractal, designed for programmable logic using Bitcoin Script

    • BRC-20: Simple inscription-based token format that originated on Bitcoin, now supported natively on Fractal

    • Runes: Lightweight, inscription-based token protocol supported on both Bitcoin and Fractal

    All three standards are natively supported on Fractal.

    → Compare token standards