tz1

tz1 is the prefix used by the Tezos blockchain for implicit accounts whose address is derived from an Ed25519 public key. An implicit tz1 address encodes a 20-byte public-key hash (PKH) and is presented in Tezos’s Base58-encoded format, beginning with the characters tz1. The corresponding Ed25519 public key is not stored on-chain until explicitly revealed, typically through a reveal operation; after the public key is revealed, the network can cryptographically verify signatures produced with the associated private key.

Among Tezos address families, tz1 accounts are the default type for individuals and wallets that use Ed25519 keys. Other cryptography options have different prefixes: tz2 for secp256k1 and tz3 for P-256, while originated contracts use KT1 addresses. This multi-cryptography design allows Tezos to support varied cryptographic schemes while maintaining a unified on-chain account system.

Creation and use: to obtain a tz1 address, a user generates an Ed25519 key pair and derives the 20-byte PKH from the public key. The resulting address can receive Tezos (tez), participate in transactions, and, if delegated, engage in baking or endorsement activities to earn rewards. Users may perform a reveal operation to publish their public key, enabling on-chain verification of signatures for future operations.

Security and lifecycle: the private key controls access to funds; losing the key or having it compromised risks loss or theft of assets. Best practices include safeguarding backups and, when applicable, using hardware wallets. Public-key reveal is a normal part of account lifecycle when engaging in operations that require signature verification.

See also: Tezos, tz2, tz3, KT1, Ed25519.