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

# Canopy Documentation

Effortlessly create and deploy application-specific blockchains with Canopy, the limitless framework for developing and deploying your project.

<figure><img src="https://2343293880-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLrZDX2RTu3ClIHkvyP7T%2Fuploads%2F15JCCju7QCkKGS0wR6CE%2FLinkedIn%20Banner%20(1).png?alt=media&amp;token=f2d61a4b-04c8-4ccc-b461-1f035978663c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Canopy Documentation

Canopy helps anyone turn an idea into an onchain application with AI.

You do not need to begin as a blockchain engineer. Bring an idea, work with AI to shape it into an application, and move from an early prototype toward a working network in a single focused session.

Canopy is built for a future where more people can create onchain products. Builders can focus on what their application should do while Canopy provides the foundations needed to develop, launch, and grow it.

### Start where you are

[**I have an idea I want to build**](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/app-builder)

Start with the builder experience. Learn how Canopy helps you turn an idea into an application and begin shaping your first prototype with AI.

[**I want to understand Canopy**](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/canopy-network/canopy-overview)

Get a clear introduction to the platform, the problems it solves, and the path from an application idea to a sovereign network.

[**I want to learn how it works**](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/canopy-network/how-does-canopy-work)

Explore the technology behind Canopy, including Nested Chains, shared security, plugins, and the path to independent operation.

[**I want to help run the network**](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/secure-canopy/node-runner)

Learn what node runners do, how they support Canopy applications, and how to participate in securing the ecosystem.

### From idea to network

Canopy supports the full journey of an onchain application. You can use AI-friendly tools to define what you want to build, launch an application-specific chain when you are ready, and grow it with support from the Canopy network.

As your application matures, it can keep benefiting from Canopy’s shared infrastructure or move toward independent operation. The goal is not to force every idea into a shared platform. It is to give every promising idea a practical path to become its own network.

### What makes Canopy different

Most onchain development still assumes that builders already understand blockchains, infrastructure, token economics, and network operations. Canopy is designed to lower that barrier.

The platform gives builders room to create in familiar languages and AI-native workflows while keeping the underlying network programmable, secure, and adaptable. This means a person can start with a simple idea without giving up the ability to build something durable, owned by its community, and capable of growing far beyond its first prototype.

### Explore the docs

Read the [Canopy Overview](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/canopy-network/canopy-overview) for the big picture, explore [Why Canopy?](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/canopy-network/why-canopy) to understand the problem space, or continue to [Core Features](https://canopy-network.gitbook.io/docs/canopy-network/core-features) for a closer look at the builder experience, launch flow, and network foundations.

### Quick Links

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Run Nodes &#x26; Validate ↗</strong></td><td>Learn about running nodes and validating in Canopy.</td><td><a href="https://2343293880-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLrZDX2RTu3ClIHkvyP7T%2Fuploads%2FZrbvZeVKzXce8P5fqRp9%2FWhy%20Canopy%20-Seeding%20the%20future%20-%204.png?alt=media&amp;token=69af7e1f-d3ed-421c-9fe8-d2bbc1c5037f">Why Canopy -Seeding the future - 4.png</a></td><td><a href="/docs/secure-canopy/node-runner.md">Node Runner</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Join the Community ↗</strong></td><td>Looking to get started? Get involved.</td><td><a href="https://2343293880-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLrZDX2RTu3ClIHkvyP7T%2Fuploads%2FLGNe6b3TZRTSHvbQLMD0%2FCNPY-Diagrams-Welcome.png?alt=media&amp;token=c1807696-a685-404b-a244-aaaf108f5bde">CNPY-Diagrams-Welcome.png</a></td><td><a href="/docs/questing-claims.md">Questing Claims</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Learn About Blockchain ↗</strong></td><td>New to blockhcain? Start here!</td><td><a href="https://2343293880-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLrZDX2RTu3ClIHkvyP7T%2Fuploads%2FAOdornmtVPJETUSQV4Ze%2FWhy%20Canopy%20-Background-%201.png?alt=media&amp;token=17862579-f254-4964-bbb4-b92eb9081397">Why Canopy -Background- 1.png</a></td><td><a href="/docs/canopy-network/why-canopy/blockchain-101.md">Blockchain 101</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Learn How Canopy Works ↗</strong></td><td>Learn how Canopy works.</td><td><a href="https://2343293880-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLrZDX2RTu3ClIHkvyP7T%2Fuploads%2FKXuBxOX0Ul68zBlvXe6Y%2FHow%20does%20canopy%20work%20-%20Consensus-3.png?alt=media&amp;token=6b3a5d2d-3ef7-417e-abca-562c9f31fd8b">How does canopy work - Consensus-3.png</a></td><td><a href="/docs/canopy-network/understand-the-protocol.md">Understand the Protocol</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Get Started With Canopy

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Community" %}
💬 Engage the community: [Join Discord](https://discord.gg/pNcSJj7Wdh)
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Github" %}
Contribute to the implementation: [Github](https://github.com/canopy-network/canopy)
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Whitepaper" %}
Read the paper: [Our Whitepaper](https://canopy-network.github.io/whitepaper/The%20Blockchain%20Incubator%20Model_%20Bridging%20Dependent%20Applications%20to%20Autonomous%20Networks.pdf)
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Socials" %}
Find us on [X](https://x.com/CNPYNetwork) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}