> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://niftix.gitbook.io/niftix-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://niftix.gitbook.io/niftix-docs/welcome/how-it-works.md).

# How Niftix works

Niftix uses a Solana **escrow program**. Assets sit in a program-controlled vault until both sides are deposited and the swap is executed.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A[Create offer] --> B[Creator deposits]
  B --> C[Awaiting counterparty]
  C --> D[Counterparty accepts + deposits]
  D --> E[Execute / settle]
  E --> F[Completed]
  C --> X[Cancel or expire]
  D --> X
  X --> Y[Withdraw if needed]
```

## Lifecycle

1. **Create** — You define offering assets, requested assets, visibility, and expiry.
2. **Deposit (creator)** — Your offering assets move into escrow (usually in the same transaction as create).
3. **Awaiting counterparty** — The offer is live for others (or a private receiver / link).
4. **Accept & deposit** — The other trader deposits the requesting side.
5. **Execute** — Assets settle to each wallet. Often batched with accept for simple SOL/NFT offers.
6. **Done** — Status becomes completed. Fees (if any) are taken from SOL legs at execute.

## Status labels you may see

| Status                | Meaning                                               |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Awaiting counterparty | Creator deposited; waiting for someone to accept      |
| Ready                 | Both sides deposited; settlement pending or available |
| Completed             | Swap executed on-chain                                |
| Cancelled             | Creator cancelled before the counterparty deposited   |
| Expired               | Past expiry; recovery / withdraw rules apply          |

## Buttons on the swap page

| Button                 | When you see it                                    |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Accept & Deposit**   | Eligible counterparty; offer still awaiting accept |
| **Execute Swap**       | Both sides ready; settle if not already batched    |
| **Cancel Offer**       | Creator, until the counterparty deposits           |
| **Expire Offer**       | After deadline, participant-driven expire          |
| **Withdraw My Assets** | Recover deposits after cancel / expire             |

## Why Phantom may show “net” SOL

Accept often runs **accept + deposit + execute** together. Phantom’s balance change is **net** for the whole transaction (what you send minus what you receive), not only the “Requesting” amount. Advanced may show Niftix instructions as **Unknown** if the wallet has not indexed the program IDL.


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