User expresses a desired outcome
Instead of specifying every step, a user signs a message describing what they want — e.g. receive a certain asset in exchange for another, within limits they set.
NEAR INTENTS · EXPLAINEDOutcomes first.
Outcomes first.
Routes second.
NEAR Intents is ecosystem infrastructure for expressing what you want and letting a network of solvers figure out how.
Understand the process Outcome-based execution across a decentralised network of solvers.
You define the outcome.
The process finds a path.
Four stages, with different responsibilities. Explore how they fit together.
Solutions are evaluated
Solvers — independent participants such as market makers — see the intent and propose how they would fulfil it. Proposals can differ in price and path.
An integrated application selects a route
The application the user is working with selects among proposals according to its own logic, and presents the result for confirmation.
Settlement occurs
The exchange settles through NEAR's smart contracts. Timing and outcome remain subject to network conditions and the parameters the user set.
Three concepts.
A more connected ecosystem.
Solvers
Off-chain participants that compete to fulfil intents. They take on the work of finding liquidity and paths, and are paid through the terms they propose.
Chain abstraction
The idea that users shouldn't need to manage separate wallets, gas tokens and bridges for every chain. Intents is one building block towards it.
Chain Signatures
A NEAR capability that lets NEAR accounts sign transactions for other blockchains through a decentralised signing network.
PUT IT IN CONTEXTUnderstand the
Understand the
execution model
You define an outcome and its limits. Solvers propose execution routes, while the application presents the terms for your approval. Review the assets, destination network and settlement conditions before signing.
See ecosystem productsWhere are cross-chain intents executed?
Intents are submitted through applications that integrate the infrastructure. Execution and settlement depend on the application, participating solvers and supported networks. The process explained here describes that infrastructure.
Who are the solvers?
Independent participants that compete to fulfil an intent. Review their proposed price, route and settlement terms in the application before confirming.
Are intents risk-free?
No. Prices move, routes can fail, and the assets involved carry their own risks. Read every confirmation, and set limits you're comfortable with.
How is this different from a normal swap?
In a direct swap, you choose the venue and path. With intents, you set the outcome and constraints; solvers compete on how to deliver it.