
![Fiat subscription confirmation page](/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/main.png)

We recently launched support for [crypto based NFT subscriptions](./recurring-subscription-nft) which allowed people to pre-approve an amount in erc20 to be charged at a regular interval set in the membership contract.

Today, we are extending the same support to fiat payment options we provide (including credit card, [Apple and Google Pay](/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay)). Creators can now add `recurringPayments: number` to the `paywallConfig` when building their checkout URL in order to charge their users on a regular frequency.

A really interesting tidbit is that even users who pay with their cards are receiving a **subscription NFT** that gets renewed every time their card is charged!

Here is an example of paywallConfig.

```json
{
  "title": "Recurring membership demo",
  "locks": {
    "0xf1e4861bbe6aa736084ff829507145a85f4958fc": {
      "name": "Recurring",
      "network": 5,
      "recurringPayments": 12
    }
  }
}
```

Learn more about how to build and configure the url on the [docs site](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration/#building-your-url).

## How does it work?

Unlock's approach to recurring fiat payment has two distinct elements:

### Smart Contracts

We added support for `grantKeyExtension` method on our contracts which allows creators and anyone who is a [`keyGranter`](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/public-lock/access-control#keygranter) to extend the NFT duration.
This is available in all locks starting with v11. We use this internally to renew memberships of users who have subscribed via fiat payment options.

### Locksmith

When a user goes through a recurring purchase, we create a subscription object on the backend to keep track of how many times the user wishes to renew it and store all the details surrounding the purchase. Due to the volatile nature of many crypto-currencies, fiat prices can swing drastically between two payments. To avoid this and protect the users, we lock in the fiat price at the time of subscription for further renewals. This means if the user purchased an NFT for 0.1 tokens valued at $10 at the time of purchase, further renewals would only cost that $10, even if the price of the token is now much higher or much lower. We use the subscription object to renew keys when they expire.

An example of a lock with 5 minute renewal time below getting extended every 5 minutes.

![Etherscan](/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/etherscan.png)

### Documentation

- Community & Support: [Join the Unlock Discord](https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/)

- Developer documentation: [Recurring Memberships](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/unlock/creators/recurring-memberships)

### Further resources

- Interview: [NFTs for Memberships: The Future of Business](https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/using-nfts-for-memberships-the-future-of-business/)

- Videos: [NFT Membership videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpwtvsk_naOwR_w-vKXw-Q)


Users can now subscribe to NFTs using fiat payment options such as credit cards.

Unlock Launches Support for Fiat NFT Recurring Subscriptions

<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/main.png" alt="Fiat subscription confirmation page"></p>
<p>We recently launched support for <a href="./recurring-subscription-nft">crypto based NFT subscriptions</a> which allowed people to pre-approve an amount in erc20 to be charged at a regular interval set in the membership contract.</p>
<p>Today, we are extending the same support to fiat payment options we provide (including credit card, <a href="/blog/support-for-google-and-apple-pay">Apple and Google Pay</a>). Creators can now add <code>recurringPayments: number</code> to the <code>paywallConfig</code> when building their checkout URL in order to charge their users on a regular frequency.</p>
<p>A really interesting tidbit is that even users who pay with their cards are receiving a <strong>subscription NFT</strong> that gets renewed every time their card is charged!</p>
<p>Here is an example of paywallConfig.</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "title": "Recurring membership demo",
  "locks": {
    "0xf1e4861bbe6aa736084ff829507145a85f4958fc": {
      "name": "Recurring",
      "network": 5,
      "recurringPayments": 12
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<p>Learn more about how to build and configure the url on the <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration/#building-your-url">docs site</a>.</p>
<h2>How does it work?</h2>
<p>Unlock's approach to recurring fiat payment has two distinct elements:</p>
<h3>Smart Contracts</h3>
<p>We added support for <code>grantKeyExtension</code> method on our contracts which allows creators and anyone who is a <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/public-lock/access-control#keygranter"><code>keyGranter</code></a> to extend the NFT duration.
This is available in all locks starting with v11. We use this internally to renew memberships of users who have subscribed via fiat payment options.</p>
<h3>Locksmith</h3>
<p>When a user goes through a recurring purchase, we create a subscription object on the backend to keep track of how many times the user wishes to renew it and store all the details surrounding the purchase. Due to the volatile nature of many crypto-currencies, fiat prices can swing drastically between two payments. To avoid this and protect the users, we lock in the fiat price at the time of subscription for further renewals. This means if the user purchased an NFT for 0.1 tokens valued at $10 at the time of purchase, further renewals would only cost that $10, even if the price of the token is now much higher or much lower. We use the subscription object to renew keys when they expire.</p>
<p>An example of a lock with 5 minute renewal time below getting extended every 5 minutes.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/unlock-fiat-subscription/etherscan.png" alt="Etherscan"></p>
<h3>Documentation</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Community &#x26; Support: <a href="https://discord.unlock-protocol.com/">Join the Unlock Discord</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Developer documentation: <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/unlock/creators/recurring-memberships">Recurring Memberships</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Further resources</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Interview: <a href="https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/using-nfts-for-memberships-the-future-of-business/">NFTs for Memberships: The Future of Business</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpwtvsk_naOwR_w-vKXw-Q">NFT Membership videos</a></p>
</li>
</ul>



[Arbitrum](https://arbitrum.io/) is a "layer 2" environment on top of Ethereum's mainnet. It is an _optimistic rollup_, which means that it is able to benefit from Ethereum's security while providing significantly cheaper transaction costs, as well as much faster execution time.

![Arbitrum](/images/blog/arbitrum/arbitrum.png)

Today, we're excited to announce that you can start deploying your NFT membership contracts on Arbitrum!

Want to try it out? We deployed the first NFT membership contract on Arbitrum and you can "buy" a free membership [by going here](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Farbitrum&paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A42161%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%2Ficon%22%7D) (There are only 100 of these, so be quick!)

Unlock has now been deployed on 8 EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks: Mainnet, Gnosis Chain, Polygon, Optimism, BNB Chain, Celo, Avalanche and now Arbitrum! Every creator, brand or organization can chose the network of _their_ choice to deploy their membership contracts to create [NFT tickets](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/), [subscriptions](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/recurring-memberships/) and more!


Membership NFT contracts from Unlock Protocol can now be deployed on the Arbitrum network.

The Arbitrum network joins the expanding Unlock Protocol ecosystem

Unlock Is Live on Arbitrum

<p><a href="https://arbitrum.io/">Arbitrum</a> is a "layer 2" environment on top of Ethereum's mainnet. It is an <em>optimistic rollup</em>, which means that it is able to benefit from Ethereum's security while providing significantly cheaper transaction costs, as well as much faster execution time.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/arbitrum/arbitrum.png" alt="Arbitrum"></p>
<p>Today, we're excited to announce that you can start deploying your NFT membership contracts on Arbitrum!</p>
<p>Want to try it out? We deployed the first NFT membership contract on Arbitrum and you can "buy" a free membership <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Farbitrum&#x26;paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A42161%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0xcc04a8E25B712EBbdAD337dfDb59a154Bd6bbd06%2Ficon%22%7D">by going here</a> (There are only 100 of these, so be quick!)</p>
<p>Unlock has now been deployed on 8 EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) networks: Mainnet, Gnosis Chain, Polygon, Optimism, BNB Chain, Celo, Avalanche and now Arbitrum! Every creator, brand or organization can chose the network of <em>their</em> choice to deploy their membership contracts to create <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/">NFT tickets</a>, <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/recurring-memberships/">subscriptions</a> and more!</p>



![Google pay on checkout](/images/blog/apple-google-pay/main.png)

Unlock checkout now supports using Apple Pay and Google Pay to purchase memberships. They will automatically pop up as options when you try to pay on a supported platform.

Creators don't need to change anything on their side. These options will appear as long as credit card support is enabled.


Apple Pay and Google Pay are now live as payment options on checkout.

Unlock Adds Apple Pay and Google Pay Support to Checkout

<p><img src="/images/blog/apple-google-pay/main.png" alt="Google pay on checkout"></p>
<p>Unlock checkout now supports using Apple Pay and Google Pay to purchase memberships. They will automatically pop up as options when you try to pay on a supported platform.</p>
<p>Creators don't need to change anything on their side. These options will appear as long as credit card support is enabled.</p>



A fairly common request by event organizers and creators revolves around selling memberships in a password-protected way: only those who know the password can purchase.

![Password Protected](/images/blog/password-protected/password-protected.png)

Today, we’re excited to announce how **creators can easily use their membership contract (a lock), a hook, and our checkout URL flow to password-protect purchases**.

Of course, this process is *secured* and cannot be bypassed by calling the contract directly, as the password is used to submit the transaction on-chain. Additionally, the password is not transmitted “in the clear” to ensure that it remains secret but used to sign the recipient’s address, making the transaction unique for each user.

The hooks were [deployed on the production networks](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook#production-networks) (and can easily be added to more).

## Example

[This lock](https://goerli.etherscan.io/address/0x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a) deployed is deployed on Goerli and uses this password hook. This means you can only purchase a key if you go [through this checkout URL](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com&paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A5%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Flocksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a%2Ficon%22%2C%22password%22%3Atrue%7D) and if you enter the right password: `sek3e+-pass30rD`. Please try with a bad password first!

![Password Required!](/images/blog/password-protected/purchase-password.png)

## Using the hook for your own lock

Adding a password to your lock requires the use of a hook. Hooks are a very powerful mechanism used to alter the behavior of your lock. Here is a quick guide and you can find a [longer version in our Guides](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/password-protected-nft-memberships/).

1. First, you need to choose a password, then [go to this page to generate the corresponding Ethereum address](https://unlock-protocol.github.io/password-required-hook/).

![Generate Signer!](/images/blog/password-protected/generate-signer.png)

2. Then, click on which network your lock has been deployed on ([list here](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook)) to go to the block explorer page for the hook and head to `Contract` > `Write Contract`. Connect your wallet (you need to be connected as a lock's manager) and click on `setSigner`. There, enter the lock address and then the wallet address generated in the previous step.

![Set Signer!](/images/blog/password-protected/set-signer.png)

3. Finally, you need to point your lock to the hook. Using your lock's block explorer page, click on `Contract` > `Write as Proxy`. Connect your wallet (you need to be connected as a lock's manager) and look for `setEventHooks`. In the `_onKeyPurchaseHook` enter the address of the hook (from the list above), and enter `0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000000` for all the other hooks (unless of course, you want to use them...).

![Set Hooks!](/images/blog/password-protected/set-hooks.png)

4. [Build a Checkout URL](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration) and make sure you include the `"password": true` option in it so that users are prompted for the password when they go through the checkout flow!

## Developers

Even though this hook is “readily” usable, exactly like our “bring your own contract” hooks created a few months ago, we felt that it was a very good example of [how to create hooks for your smart contract](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/smart-contracts/hooks/using-on-key-purchase-hook-to-password-protect). As such, we created a dedicated tutorial that you can refer to see how we created it and use that as an inspiration to create your own hooks!

You can find the code for this [password-protected hook on Github](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook) as well as the [tutorial in our docs](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/smart-contracts/hooks/using-on-key-purchase-hook-to-password-protect).


Using a smart contract hook, it is now possible to require users to enter a password when they are making purchases, ensuring that only your community can purchase memberships!

Introducing a new way to password protect the membership NFT purchases!

Password Required

<p>A fairly common request by event organizers and creators revolves around selling memberships in a password-protected way: only those who know the password can purchase.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/password-protected/password-protected.png" alt="Password Protected"></p>
<p>Today, we’re excited to announce how <strong>creators can easily use their membership contract (a lock), a hook, and our checkout URL flow to password-protect purchases</strong>.</p>
<p>Of course, this process is <em>secured</em> and cannot be bypassed by calling the contract directly, as the password is used to submit the transaction on-chain. Additionally, the password is not transmitted “in the clear” to ensure that it remains secret but used to sign the recipient’s address, making the transaction unique for each user.</p>
<p>The hooks were <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook#production-networks">deployed on the production networks</a> (and can easily be added to more).</p>
<h2>Example</h2>
<p><a href="https://goerli.etherscan.io/address/0x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a">This lock</a> deployed is deployed on Goerli and uses this password hook. This means you can only purchase a key if you go <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com&#x26;paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A5%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Flocksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0x44Dc120086c34305098c379eB5638Bfc0d31D47a%2Ficon%22%2C%22password%22%3Atrue%7D">through this checkout URL</a> and if you enter the right password: <code>sek3e+-pass30rD</code>. Please try with a bad password first!</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/password-protected/purchase-password.png" alt="Password Required!"></p>
<h2>Using the hook for your own lock</h2>
<p>Adding a password to your lock requires the use of a hook. Hooks are a very powerful mechanism used to alter the behavior of your lock. Here is a quick guide and you can find a <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/password-protected-nft-memberships/">longer version in our Guides</a>.</p>
<ol>
<li>First, you need to choose a password, then <a href="https://unlock-protocol.github.io/password-required-hook/">go to this page to generate the corresponding Ethereum address</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="/images/blog/password-protected/generate-signer.png" alt="Generate Signer!"></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Then, click on which network your lock has been deployed on (<a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook">list here</a>) to go to the block explorer page for the hook and head to <code>Contract</code> > <code>Write Contract</code>. Connect your wallet (you need to be connected as a lock's manager) and click on <code>setSigner</code>. There, enter the lock address and then the wallet address generated in the previous step.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="/images/blog/password-protected/set-signer.png" alt="Set Signer!"></p>
<ol start="3">
<li>Finally, you need to point your lock to the hook. Using your lock's block explorer page, click on <code>Contract</code> > <code>Write as Proxy</code>. Connect your wallet (you need to be connected as a lock's manager) and look for <code>setEventHooks</code>. In the <code>_onKeyPurchaseHook</code> enter the address of the hook (from the list above), and enter <code>0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000000</code> for all the other hooks (unless of course, you want to use them...).</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="/images/blog/password-protected/set-hooks.png" alt="Set Hooks!"></p>
<ol start="4">
<li><a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/configuration">Build a Checkout URL</a> and make sure you include the <code>"password": true</code> option in it so that users are prompted for the password when they go through the checkout flow!</li>
</ol>
<h2>Developers</h2>
<p>Even though this hook is “readily” usable, exactly like our “bring your own contract” hooks created a few months ago, we felt that it was a very good example of <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/smart-contracts/hooks/using-on-key-purchase-hook-to-password-protect">how to create hooks for your smart contract</a>. As such, we created a dedicated tutorial that you can refer to see how we created it and use that as an inspiration to create your own hooks!</p>
<p>You can find the code for this <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/password-required-hook">password-protected hook on Github</a> as well as the <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tutorials/smart-contracts/hooks/using-on-key-purchase-hook-to-password-protect">tutorial in our docs</a>.</p>



Our Members page is now improved with more specific filters, which makes finding specific memberships much easier.
We have introduced filters that let you find specific memberships by `owner`, `token id`, `check-in time`, `type of expiration`, and `email`.

### Filter selection

![Filter selection](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-selection.png)

When a filter is selected the user will see an input or a dropdown (with a set of default values) that lets them enter the specific values they are looking for.

![Filter by owner](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-owner.png)

### Filters in detail

#### Owner

This filter refers to the public wallet address. The user will be able to filter by partial (`0x123` to find all addresses that start with `0x123`) text or also with an [ENS domain](https://ens.domains/).

![Filter by owner](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-owner-partial.png)

#### Token id

This filter refers to token id, the user will be able to filter by a specific token id.

![Filter by owner token id](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-token-id.png)

#### Check in time

This filter shows all keys marked as checked in. This is useful for conferences that are trying to list all ticket holders who attended the event.

_Only lock managers are able to see this filter because checked in time is protected data._

![Filter by checked in](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-checked-in.png)

#### Email

This filter refers to the email address of the key owner if it was [collected during checkout](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/collecting-metadata), and gives the ability to search a key by email if present in the metadata.

_Only lock managers are able to see this filter because email is protected data._

![Filter by email](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-email.png)

#### Expiration

This filter refers to expiration status; when active you can choose between 3 default values:

- `ALL` to show all the keys without any distiction
- `EXPIRED` to show all the expired keys
- `ACTIVE` to show all the keys that are still valid

![Filter by expiration](/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-expiration.png)

## What if I find an issue or bug in the new filters?

Please open an issue on Github or tell us in the Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.


Unlock introduces a new set of filters to improve the search experience.

A new way to filter keys in the members page

Members Page Filters

<p>Our Members page is now improved with more specific filters, which makes finding specific memberships much easier.
We have introduced filters that let you find specific memberships by <code>owner</code>, <code>token id</code>, <code>check-in time</code>, <code>type of expiration</code>, and <code>email</code>.</p>
<h3>Filter selection</h3>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-selection.png" alt="Filter selection"></p>
<p>When a filter is selected the user will see an input or a dropdown (with a set of default values) that lets them enter the specific values they are looking for.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-owner.png" alt="Filter by owner"></p>
<h3>Filters in detail</h3>
<h4>Owner</h4>
<p>This filter refers to the public wallet address. The user will be able to filter by partial (<code>0x123</code> to find all addresses that start with <code>0x123</code>) text or also with an <a href="https://ens.domains/">ENS domain</a>.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-owner-partial.png" alt="Filter by owner"></p>
<h4>Token id</h4>
<p>This filter refers to token id, the user will be able to filter by a specific token id.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-token-id.png" alt="Filter by owner token id"></p>
<h4>Check in time</h4>
<p>This filter shows all keys marked as checked in. This is useful for conferences that are trying to list all ticket holders who attended the event.</p>
<p><em>Only lock managers are able to see this filter because checked in time is protected data.</em></p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-checked-in.png" alt="Filter by checked in"></p>
<h4>Email</h4>
<p>This filter refers to the email address of the key owner if it was <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/checkout/collecting-metadata">collected during checkout</a>, and gives the ability to search a key by email if present in the metadata.</p>
<p><em>Only lock managers are able to see this filter because email is protected data.</em></p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-email.png" alt="Filter by email"></p>
<h4>Expiration</h4>
<p>This filter refers to expiration status; when active you can choose between 3 default values:</p>
<ul>
<li><code>ALL</code> to show all the keys without any distiction</li>
<li><code>EXPIRED</code> to show all the expired keys</li>
<li><code>ACTIVE</code> to show all the keys that are still valid</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-filters-members-page/filter-by-expiration.png" alt="Filter by expiration"></p>
<h2>What if I find an issue or bug in the new filters?</h2>
<p>Please open an issue on Github or tell us in the Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.</p>



After Mainnet, [Gnosis Chain](xdai) (née xDAI), [Polygon](/blog/unlock-on-polygon), [Optimism](/blog/optimism), [Binance](/blog/binance-smart-chain), [Celo](/blog/unlock-celo-launch), we're excited to announce that you can deploy your NFT membership contracts on the [Avalanche](https://avax.network/) C-Chain!

> The Contract Chain is the default smart contract blockchain on Avalanche and enables the creation of any Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. This blockchain is for applications that require total ordering (for faster asset transfers or any other commutative application, use the Exchange Chain). The Contract Chain implements the Snowman consensus protocol.

![avalanche C-Chain](/images/blog/avalanche/avalanche-logo.svg)

Of course, to do that, you first need to have a few Avax tokens on your wallet. You can [bridge any Ethereum token](https://bridge.avax.network/) to Avalanche and you will receive a 0.1 Avax airdrop if you bridge more than $75 worth of value.

On Avalanche you can deploy NFT contracts using the [Unlock Dashboard](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/dashboard), or using libraries, like on any of our supported contracts and of course, you can also easily purchase memberships with your wallet, using our new checkout flow! For example, you can [purchase a membership to the first Avax lock by following this link](https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Favalanche&paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220x1354f2bb861A9E7ED9cC985a8c449FA363E981b4%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A43114%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0x1354f2bb861A9E7ED9cC985a8c449FA363E981b4%2Ficon%22%7D).

Our ambition is to deploy Unlock, the protocol for memberships on any EVM network. We're also working on a solution to provide a perfectly smooth cross-chain experience where users can acquire a membership from a contract deployed on a network by sending a membership from _another_ network!


We are continuing our expansion across all the EVM ecosystem. The Unlock Protocol can be used to deploy NFT membership contracts on Avalanche's C Chain.

Unlock is now available on the Avalanch network.

Avalanche

<p>After Mainnet, <a href="xdai">Gnosis Chain</a> (née xDAI), <a href="/blog/unlock-on-polygon">Polygon</a>, <a href="/blog/optimism">Optimism</a>, <a href="/blog/binance-smart-chain">Binance</a>, <a href="/blog/unlock-celo-launch">Celo</a>, we're excited to announce that you can deploy your NFT membership contracts on the <a href="https://avax.network/">Avalanche</a> C-Chain!</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Contract Chain is the default smart contract blockchain on Avalanche and enables the creation of any Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. This blockchain is for applications that require total ordering (for faster asset transfers or any other commutative application, use the Exchange Chain). The Contract Chain implements the Snowman consensus protocol.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><img src="/images/blog/avalanche/avalanche-logo.svg" alt="avalanche C-Chain"></p>
<p>Of course, to do that, you first need to have a few Avax tokens on your wallet. You can <a href="https://bridge.avax.network/">bridge any Ethereum token</a> to Avalanche and you will receive a 0.1 Avax airdrop if you bridge more than $75 worth of value.</p>
<p>On Avalanche you can deploy NFT contracts using the <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/dashboard">Unlock Dashboard</a>, or using libraries, like on any of our supported contracts and of course, you can also easily purchase memberships with your wallet, using our new checkout flow! For example, you can <a href="https://app.unlock-protocol.com/checkout?redirectUri=https%3A%2F%2Funlock-protocol.com%2Fblog%2Favalanche&#x26;paywallConfig=%7B%22locks%22%3A%7B%220x1354f2bb861A9E7ED9cC985a8c449FA363E981b4%22%3A%7B%22network%22%3A43114%7D%7D%2C%22pessimistic%22%3Atrue%2C%22persistentCheckout%22%3Atrue%2C%22icon%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fstaging-locksmith.unlock-protocol.com%2Flock%2F0x1354f2bb861A9E7ED9cC985a8c449FA363E981b4%2Ficon%22%7D">purchase a membership to the first Avax lock by following this link</a>.</p>
<p>Our ambition is to deploy Unlock, the protocol for memberships on any EVM network. We're also working on a solution to provide a perfectly smooth cross-chain experience where users can acquire a membership from a contract deployed on a network by sending a membership from <em>another</em> network!</p>



Currently, one of the most notable opportunities in web3 is to [improve and simplify the user experience](https://builtin.com/design-ux/web3-design). With that goal in mind, Unlock has completely redesigned the Unlock checkout experience based on extensive user testing and feedback.

Here is what the new Unlock checkout experience looks like.

![Checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout.gif)

Let's go into the details, step-by-step.

### Lock selection

Memberships are now grouped by network and provide information about the networks to users. This educates users about the network and makes it easier for creators to sell memberships on multiple networks with different benefits.

![lock selection on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout.png)

### Quantity selection

Purchasers can choose to purchase multiple memberships. If creator has enabled `maxRecipients` or `minRecipients` in the paywall config, we will prompt user to select quantity. By default, we skip the quantity selection since most users only want to buy or unlock content for themselves.

![quantity selection on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-quantity.png)

### Recipient and metadata collection

The recipient field is now populated based on the quantity indicated in the prior step. Purchasers can add recipient addresses and fill out metadata information for each recipient. Addtionally, we've added additional validation checks to ensure a user cannot buy more memberships than allowed by the lock owner.

![metadata and recipients on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-recipients.png)

### Payment using credit cards and other payment types

We've made it easier to choose from multiple payment options.

![payment selection on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-payment.png)

Similarly, we've made it easier to pick and change credit cards using the checkout.

![card selection on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-card.png)

We've added the support for Superfluid and claim which allow creators to drop claimable memberships to users for free. We will automatically show users different payment options based on what creators enabled on the checkout.

### Confirmation

Our new confirmation page shows the purchaser how many memberships they are buying, what the total amount is, and how many times a membership will be renewed if it's a [recurring membership](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/recurring-subscription-nft). Trust and communication are key elements of user experience, and we want to reduce the chance of surprises at checkout time.

![confirmation on checkout](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-confirm.png)

### Minting

We have some cool minting animations to show off while transactions are confirmed on the chain. In most cases, minting will be instant but if not, there is something to look forward to.

![Minting finished](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-finished.png)

### Using an Unlock Account

We've tried to make it easier for purchasers who are using credit cards or who are not crypto-savvy to use an [Unlock Account](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/basics/new-to-unlock/unlock-accounts). Users can choose to login or checkout using an Unlock Account with an email and password, similar to a traditional login experience as an alternative to using a crypto wallet.

![signing using unlock account](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/unlock-account.gif)

## Sign in with Ethereum

We've updated our Sign in with Ethereum integration to match our new design.

![Sign in with ethereum](/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/sign-in-with-ethereum.gif)

## Paywall configuration

We've not made any breaking changes as part of the redesign effort. However, we now ignore most of the call action fields which were used to display different texts on the checkout. After listening to user feedback, we realized it was often not helpful and confused them due to the amount of information conveyed.

We might bring some of these back in different shape if there is demand but for now, they will be ignored.

You can find more about them inside the [paywall configuration documentation](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/paywall/configuring-checkout).

## Unlock's new checkout experience is backward-compatible

In addition, we have introduced a new path — `/legacy/checkout` — for sites, creators and developers who would like to stay on the existing checkout experience at the current time. Please note that this `legacy` path will not be maintained going forward, so to ensure you're using the latest and greatest checkout experience, please do make plans to migrate to the primary checkout experience in the near future if you have any projects using this legacy checkout experience path. We will deprecate it by the end of the year and remove it.

If you are using our paywall script in your apps, append `?legacy=true` to the paywall URL you are loading to use the legacy checkout.

## What if I find an issue or bug in the new checkout?

Please open an issue on Github or tell us in the Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.


Unlock launches a completely redesigned checkout experience.

Unlock launches a completely redesigned checkout experience

Unlock Protocol's Brand New Checkout Experience

<p>Currently, one of the most notable opportunities in web3 is to <a href="https://builtin.com/design-ux/web3-design">improve and simplify the user experience</a>. With that goal in mind, Unlock has completely redesigned the Unlock checkout experience based on extensive user testing and feedback.</p>
<p>Here is what the new Unlock checkout experience looks like.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout.gif" alt="Checkout"></p>
<p>Let's go into the details, step-by-step.</p>
<h3>Lock selection</h3>
<p>Memberships are now grouped by network and provide information about the networks to users. This educates users about the network and makes it easier for creators to sell memberships on multiple networks with different benefits.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout.png" alt="lock selection on checkout"></p>
<h3>Quantity selection</h3>
<p>Purchasers can choose to purchase multiple memberships. If creator has enabled <code>maxRecipients</code> or <code>minRecipients</code> in the paywall config, we will prompt user to select quantity. By default, we skip the quantity selection since most users only want to buy or unlock content for themselves.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-quantity.png" alt="quantity selection on checkout"></p>
<h3>Recipient and metadata collection</h3>
<p>The recipient field is now populated based on the quantity indicated in the prior step. Purchasers can add recipient addresses and fill out metadata information for each recipient. Addtionally, we've added additional validation checks to ensure a user cannot buy more memberships than allowed by the lock owner.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-recipients.png" alt="metadata and recipients on checkout"></p>
<h3>Payment using credit cards and other payment types</h3>
<p>We've made it easier to choose from multiple payment options.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-payment.png" alt="payment selection on checkout"></p>
<p>Similarly, we've made it easier to pick and change credit cards using the checkout.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-card.png" alt="card selection on checkout"></p>
<p>We've added the support for Superfluid and claim which allow creators to drop claimable memberships to users for free. We will automatically show users different payment options based on what creators enabled on the checkout.</p>
<h3>Confirmation</h3>
<p>Our new confirmation page shows the purchaser how many memberships they are buying, what the total amount is, and how many times a membership will be renewed if it's a <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/recurring-subscription-nft">recurring membership</a>. Trust and communication are key elements of user experience, and we want to reduce the chance of surprises at checkout time.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-confirm.png" alt="confirmation on checkout"></p>
<h3>Minting</h3>
<p>We have some cool minting animations to show off while transactions are confirmed on the chain. In most cases, minting will be instant but if not, there is something to look forward to.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/checkout-finished.png" alt="Minting finished"></p>
<h3>Using an Unlock Account</h3>
<p>We've tried to make it easier for purchasers who are using credit cards or who are not crypto-savvy to use an <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/basics/new-to-unlock/unlock-accounts">Unlock Account</a>. Users can choose to login or checkout using an Unlock Account with an email and password, similar to a traditional login experience as an alternative to using a crypto wallet.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/unlock-account.gif" alt="signing using unlock account"></p>
<h2>Sign in with Ethereum</h2>
<p>We've updated our Sign in with Ethereum integration to match our new design.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/redesigned-checkout/sign-in-with-ethereum.gif" alt="Sign in with ethereum"></p>
<h2>Paywall configuration</h2>
<p>We've not made any breaking changes as part of the redesign effort. However, we now ignore most of the call action fields which were used to display different texts on the checkout. After listening to user feedback, we realized it was often not helpful and confused them due to the amount of information conveyed.</p>
<p>We might bring some of these back in different shape if there is demand but for now, they will be ignored.</p>
<p>You can find more about them inside the <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/paywall/configuring-checkout">paywall configuration documentation</a>.</p>
<h2>Unlock's new checkout experience is backward-compatible</h2>
<p>In addition, we have introduced a new path — <code>/legacy/checkout</code> — for sites, creators and developers who would like to stay on the existing checkout experience at the current time. Please note that this <code>legacy</code> path will not be maintained going forward, so to ensure you're using the latest and greatest checkout experience, please do make plans to migrate to the primary checkout experience in the near future if you have any projects using this legacy checkout experience path. We will deprecate it by the end of the year and remove it.</p>
<p>If you are using our paywall script in your apps, append <code>?legacy=true</code> to the paywall URL you are loading to use the legacy checkout.</p>
<h2>What if I find an issue or bug in the new checkout?</h2>
<p>Please open an issue on Github or tell us in the Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.</p>



The latest version of Unlock Protocol introduces a whole new feature: referrer fees.

The main idea behind this is to enable revenue sharing between the lock (the membership smart contract) and the _distributor_ of memberships.

## How do Unlock Protocol referrer fees work?

The Unlock Protocol _purchase_, _extend_, and _renew_ functions include a _referrer_ parameter. This parameter is an address that is expected to be the address of the entity that “triggered” the purchase by the user.

<blockquote>
Example: Let's imagine that an indie developer created a Ghost plugin to add support for Unlock. It would be perfectly acceptable in that scenario for the Ghost plugin author to set their own address as the referrer address in the plugin.

</blockquote>

Historically, the referrer address received UDT (the protocol governance tokens) on applicable membership purchases for paid memberships that were sold on supported networks.

With this new version of the protocol, each lock manager can additionally decide to share the proceeds of each purchase with a referrer.

## Setting referrer or affiliate fees

To set the referrer fee for a lock, the lock manager sets a custom referrer fee on their lock contract for a specific referrer address by calling _setReferrerFee_ and passing both the address of the referrer they want to share the proceeds with, as well as the percentage of the sale price (in basis points) they will share. By default, the referrerFee is 0 for any address.

In addition to setting referrer fees for specific addresses, lock managers can also use the zero address (0x0) to set a default fee that will be paid to _any_ address that refers in a paid membership.

## Platforms

We believe that the emergence of web3 will not replace platforms, but will instead “unbundle” them and remove lock-in. For example, we think that platforms like Substack, YouTube or Patreon should offer the ability to their creators to use the Unlock Protocol as a way to offer memberships, and, optionally, lock content so that only members can access it.

With the referrer fee mechanism, each platform could, for instance, choose to enable that feature for a creator and their locks _only_ if the lock has a specific referrer fee for them. In essence, the platform would be explicitly compensated for promotion and distribution of the creator's content.

This mechanism opens the door for incentivized distribution by platforms or other affiliates _who get paid_ for bringing new members to the creators using their products!

## A visual walkthrough of Unlock referrer and affiliate scenarios

The referrer fee mechanism is extremely flexible and extremely powerful. The presentation below illustrates multiple scenarios where developers or creators could implement referrer or affiliate fees in order to incentivize or support distribution of their products or memberships.

<div style="position: relative; overflow: hidden; width: 100%; padding-top: 0%;"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQq_4ktW66q-Hn68Q07cazlMaQujJjSJWQHCz2LuzSAElBkmArOmlN8p6Aq5y6lnajicI5T7WvlKrXA/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="680" height="411" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>

Have questions about implementing referrer or affiliate fees with Unlock? Hit us up in the [Discord](Discord)!


Unlock Protocol now supports referral fees, affiliate fees, and other ways for developers, creators, platforms, and the Unlock ecosystem to monetize.

Unlock Protocol now supports referral fees, affiliate fees, and other monetization options

Unlock Protocol Expands Monetization Options for Developers, Creators, Platforms, and Affiliates

<p>The latest version of Unlock Protocol introduces a whole new feature: referrer fees.</p>
<p>The main idea behind this is to enable revenue sharing between the lock (the membership smart contract) and the <em>distributor</em> of memberships.</p>
<h2>How do Unlock Protocol referrer fees work?</h2>
<p>The Unlock Protocol <em>purchase</em>, <em>extend</em>, and <em>renew</em> functions include a <em>referrer</em> parameter. This parameter is an address that is expected to be the address of the entity that “triggered” the purchase by the user.</p>
<blockquote>
Example: Let's imagine that an indie developer created a Ghost plugin to add support for Unlock. It would be perfectly acceptable in that scenario for the Ghost plugin author to set their own address as the referrer address in the plugin.
</blockquote>
<p>Historically, the referrer address received UDT (the protocol governance tokens) on applicable membership purchases for paid memberships that were sold on supported networks.</p>
<p>With this new version of the protocol, each lock manager can additionally decide to share the proceeds of each purchase with a referrer.</p>
<h2>Setting referrer or affiliate fees</h2>
<p>To set the referrer fee for a lock, the lock manager sets a custom referrer fee on their lock contract for a specific referrer address by calling <em>setReferrerFee</em> and passing both the address of the referrer they want to share the proceeds with, as well as the percentage of the sale price (in basis points) they will share. By default, the referrerFee is 0 for any address.</p>
<p>In addition to setting referrer fees for specific addresses, lock managers can also use the zero address (0x0) to set a default fee that will be paid to <em>any</em> address that refers in a paid membership.</p>
<h2>Platforms</h2>
<p>We believe that the emergence of web3 will not replace platforms, but will instead “unbundle” them and remove lock-in. For example, we think that platforms like Substack, YouTube or Patreon should offer the ability to their creators to use the Unlock Protocol as a way to offer memberships, and, optionally, lock content so that only members can access it.</p>
<p>With the referrer fee mechanism, each platform could, for instance, choose to enable that feature for a creator and their locks <em>only</em> if the lock has a specific referrer fee for them. In essence, the platform would be explicitly compensated for promotion and distribution of the creator's content.</p>
<p>This mechanism opens the door for incentivized distribution by platforms or other affiliates <em>who get paid</em> for bringing new members to the creators using their products!</p>
<h2>A visual walkthrough of Unlock referrer and affiliate scenarios</h2>
<p>The referrer fee mechanism is extremely flexible and extremely powerful. The presentation below illustrates multiple scenarios where developers or creators could implement referrer or affiliate fees in order to incentivize or support distribution of their products or memberships.</p>
<div style="position: relative; overflow: hidden; width: 100%; padding-top: 0%;"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQq_4ktW66q-Hn68Q07cazlMaQujJjSJWQHCz2LuzSAElBkmArOmlN8p6Aq5y6lnajicI5T7WvlKrXA/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="680" height="411" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p>Have questions about implementing referrer or affiliate fees with Unlock? Hit us up in the <a href="Discord">Discord</a>!</p>



One of the primary opportunities in web3 is to use technology to foster a deeper sense of membership in our communities and to participate in regenerative activities.

<blockquote>
”We believe that people live primarily in connection to one another. We recognize that individuals are healthier and happier when they are members of a strong social community with meaningful relationships — that is, when they are living within a healthy and happy whole. We embrace values that strengthen community.” - Celo.org
</blockquote>

That’s why today, Unlock Protocol is proud to announce we’re adding [Celo](https://www.celo.org) to the ever-growing list of protocols that can be used to deploy memberships using Unlock.

Celo is a carbon-negative, EVM-compatible protocol with a rich ecosystem of global partners building web3, mobile-first applications to create a more accessible and inclusive global financial system.

Projects like [Climate Frens](https://climatefrens.xyz/) are a natural fit to deploy Unlock Protocol-based memberships on Celo. The Climate Frens DAO is a group of friends and climate activists uplifting themselves and others through creative contributions to the climate movement.

“We chose Celo specifically because of their special focus on climate, and we’re in conversations with them about joining the Climate Collective. And Unlock is leading the way in membership NFTs and doing its part to build a truly open web,” said Tim Falls, founder of Climate Frens.

“The Unlock Labs team and community are tremendously supportive; Climate Frens couldn’t have launched our NFT membership without their help. As a bonus, Climate Frens DAO will have the opportunity to participate in the Unlock DAO, as we earn their tokens (UDT) through our use of the protocol. Unlock was an easy choice as our protocol partner, given our shared alignment and collaborative relationship,” Falls continued.

![climate frens image](/images/blog/celo-launch/climate-frens-min.png)

Celo joins the other [EVM-compatible networks where Unlock Protocol-based memberships can be deployed](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/unlock/networks), including Polygon, Optimism, Gnosis Chain, and the Goerli and Mumbai testnets. Creators and developers using Unlock can deploy to Celo in the same manner they deploy to any other network.

Unlock Protocol on Celo is available immediately.


Unlock Protocol memberships can now be deployed on the carbon-negative Celo blockchain.

Unlock Protocol memberships can now be deployed on the carbon-negative Celo blockchain

Unlock Protocol is Available on Celo

<p>One of the primary opportunities in web3 is to use technology to foster a deeper sense of membership in our communities and to participate in regenerative activities.</p>
<blockquote>
”We believe that people live primarily in connection to one another. We recognize that individuals are healthier and happier when they are members of a strong social community with meaningful relationships — that is, when they are living within a healthy and happy whole. We embrace values that strengthen community.” - Celo.org
</blockquote>
<p>That’s why today, Unlock Protocol is proud to announce we’re adding <a href="https://www.celo.org">Celo</a> to the ever-growing list of protocols that can be used to deploy memberships using Unlock.</p>
<p>Celo is a carbon-negative, EVM-compatible protocol with a rich ecosystem of global partners building web3, mobile-first applications to create a more accessible and inclusive global financial system.</p>
<p>Projects like <a href="https://climatefrens.xyz/">Climate Frens</a> are a natural fit to deploy Unlock Protocol-based memberships on Celo. The Climate Frens DAO is a group of friends and climate activists uplifting themselves and others through creative contributions to the climate movement.</p>
<p>“We chose Celo specifically because of their special focus on climate, and we’re in conversations with them about joining the Climate Collective. And Unlock is leading the way in membership NFTs and doing its part to build a truly open web,” said Tim Falls, founder of Climate Frens.</p>
<p>“The Unlock Labs team and community are tremendously supportive; Climate Frens couldn’t have launched our NFT membership without their help. As a bonus, Climate Frens DAO will have the opportunity to participate in the Unlock DAO, as we earn their tokens (UDT) through our use of the protocol. Unlock was an easy choice as our protocol partner, given our shared alignment and collaborative relationship,” Falls continued.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/celo-launch/climate-frens-min.png" alt="climate frens image"></p>
<p>Celo joins the other <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/core-protocol/unlock/networks">EVM-compatible networks where Unlock Protocol-based memberships can be deployed</a>, including Polygon, Optimism, Gnosis Chain, and the Goerli and Mumbai testnets. Creators and developers using Unlock can deploy to Celo in the same manner they deploy to any other network.</p>
<p>Unlock Protocol on Celo is available immediately.</p>



Here at Unlock, we've been working hard at pushing out new features to the protocol, integrations, plug-ins, and tooling. Now we've upgraded our developer docs, too. Let's take a look at precisely what's changed!

First, we moved the [creator guides](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/) out to their own section of our website and ensured those things that spoke directly to creators were in a single spot. You'll find them linked from the Unlock home page.

![unlock home page creator guides link](/images/blog/new-docs/link-to-guides.png)

Now, our [docs](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/) contain all those things relevant to developers, which is why you'll find them linked from the home page under "Devs," along with some handy shortcuts to commonly used spots you may want to drop right into such as the API Reference or one of our many tools.

![unlock home page dev documentation link](/images/blog/new-docs/link-to-documentation.png)

Something we were super excited to be able to do with this upgrade is to start generating core protocol references directly from our protocol repository, ensuring we are constantly keeping the docs up to date with releases to protocol.

In addition to that, we've included some features that make the docs even more dev-friendly, including;

- Better search
- Improved navigation
- Light and dark modes
- Accessible, high-contrast code sample blocks

All of these enhancements are just the beginning! We're still working to bring you the best experience possible and we are dedicated to regularly releasing more tutorials on specific use cases, integrations, application architecture, and more. We'll be adding more to the tools we've built for developers to use when implementing the protocol. You'll see more development of tutorials and guides for those developers who are new to web3 and need a better understanding of the web3 ecosystem as they onboard from web2.

We're excited to be here to serve our open source community, and we welcome contributions. You'll find our docs repository on [Github](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/docs) with instructions on how to contribute. If you see a place we can improve, please enter an issue or a pull request and, since our DAO governance has mechanisms for giving back to those who make contributions, your efforts will be recognized.


Unlock Protocol has made significant upgrades in its developer documentation.

We've made significant upgrades in documentation of the Unlock Protocol

Unlock Docs Upgrade

<p>Here at Unlock, we've been working hard at pushing out new features to the protocol, integrations, plug-ins, and tooling. Now we've upgraded our developer docs, too. Let's take a look at precisely what's changed!</p>
<p>First, we moved the <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/">creator guides</a> out to their own section of our website and ensured those things that spoke directly to creators were in a single spot. You'll find them linked from the Unlock home page.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-docs/link-to-guides.png" alt="unlock home page creator guides link"></p>
<p>Now, our <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/">docs</a> contain all those things relevant to developers, which is why you'll find them linked from the home page under "Devs," along with some handy shortcuts to commonly used spots you may want to drop right into such as the API Reference or one of our many tools.</p>
<p><img src="/images/blog/new-docs/link-to-documentation.png" alt="unlock home page dev documentation link"></p>
<p>Something we were super excited to be able to do with this upgrade is to start generating core protocol references directly from our protocol repository, ensuring we are constantly keeping the docs up to date with releases to protocol.</p>
<p>In addition to that, we've included some features that make the docs even more dev-friendly, including;</p>
<ul>
<li>Better search</li>
<li>Improved navigation</li>
<li>Light and dark modes</li>
<li>Accessible, high-contrast code sample blocks</li>
</ul>
<p>All of these enhancements are just the beginning! We're still working to bring you the best experience possible and we are dedicated to regularly releasing more tutorials on specific use cases, integrations, application architecture, and more. We'll be adding more to the tools we've built for developers to use when implementing the protocol. You'll see more development of tutorials and guides for those developers who are new to web3 and need a better understanding of the web3 ecosystem as they onboard from web2.</p>
<p>We're excited to be here to serve our open source community, and we welcome contributions. You'll find our docs repository on <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/docs">Github</a> with instructions on how to contribute. If you see a place we can improve, please enter an issue or a pull request and, since our DAO governance has mechanisms for giving back to those who make contributions, your efforts will be recognized.</p>
