> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.avantprotocol.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.avantprotocol.com/overview/using-avant-protocol/minting-avassets.md).

# Minting avAssets

**Minting** is the process of depositing an underlying asset (like `USDC` or `BTC.b`) into the protocol to create an equivalent amount of an **`avAsset`** (e.g., `avUSD`). These tokens do not earn yield on their own, but can be **staked** or **boosted** to begin generating a return. They are also highly composable for participation in various DeFi protocols.

### Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Open Your Product Page:** In the [Products](https://app.avantprotocol.com/products) section, open the page for the product you want to use.
2. **Choose Mint or Swap:** Select **Mint or Redeem** and then **Mint** to deposit the required underlying asset directly. To buy through available in-app liquidity instead, select **Swap** and choose the product token as the output.

{% hint style="info" %}

## Choose Your Path

Use the flow that fits your connected chain and available liquidity:

* **Mint path (native chain):** Deposit the required underlying collateral directly.
* **Swap path (where liquidity is available):** Swap from supported tokens through available in-app liquidity.
* **Earn toggle (eligible products):** Enable the **Earn** toggle to receive the corresponding `savAsset` instead of the base `avAsset`.
  {% endhint %}

3. **Choose Input, Output, and Amount:** Select your input token, amount, and output token from the available options. For a swap, confirm that the output is the `avAsset` you want to acquire.
4. **Review Quote and Route:** Check the expected output and fees. If routed steps are included, click the route details to view swap/bridge/mint stages.
5. **Approve the Input Token:** Grant permission for the selected input token amount and confirm in your wallet.

{% hint style="success" %}

## Limited Approval

For security, this approval is only for the amount you are depositing now. It does not grant infinite approval, and you will need to approve a new amount for each subsequent deposit.
{% endhint %}

6. **Confirm the Action:** Once approval is confirmed, click **Mint** or **Buy** (based on the selected path) and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

<figure><img src="https://3192817152-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FbHGCy9ZAt2CTConSzjAq%2Fuploads%2Fkmw7NdQrkJJER2rVIPeB%2Fmint-avusd.png?alt=media&amp;token=bcd0c8bf-fc87-4925-b253-6840a6db6592" alt=""><figcaption><p>Minting avUSD</p></figcaption></figure>

After the transaction is complete, the selected output token appears on your dashboard and in your wallet on the selected destination chain.