helia

Run an IPFS node in the browser with Helia APIs.

Updated Sep 29, 2025

Search Tags:#javascript #browser #gateway #p2p #ipfs #unixfs #blockstore

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cyotee/manamesh --skill helia

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: helia
Source: https://github.com/cyotee/manamesh/tree/main/.opencode/skills/helia
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cyotee/manamesh --skill helia

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Helia enables in-browser or in-process IPFS operation, avoiding the need for a remote IPFS daemon and simplifying browser-based IPFS integration.

Core Features & Use Cases

Full Node: createHelia runs a complete IPFS node with libp2p, Bitswap, Kademlia DHT, and pubsub.
Gateway-Only: createHeliaHTTP provides a lightweight HTTP gateway client for browsers.
Flexible APIs: unixfs, dag-cbor, ipns, and more for file storage, retrieval, and content addressing.
ManaMesh integration: In ManaMesh, gateway-first strategy with HTTP fallback for assets and images.

Quick Start

Install Helia and call createHelia() to start a full IPFS node in your browser or Node.js.

Frequently Asked Questions about helia

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I run an IPFS node in the browser without a remote daemon?▼

Running an IPFS node in the browser without a remote daemon is achieved by using Helia's createHelia API. This creates an in-process IPFS node with libp2p, Bitswap, and Kademlia DHT support for peer-to-peer content delivery.

What is the difference between a full browser IPFS node and an HTTP gateway client?▼

A full browser IPFS node uses createHelia to run libp2p, Bitswap, and pubsub directly. An HTTP gateway client uses createHeliaHTTP to provide a lightweight browser client that fetches content via an HTTP gateway fallback.

Can I use unixfs for file storage and retrieval in a browser-based IPFS app?▼

Yes, you can use unixfs for file storage and retrieval in a browser-based IPFS app. Helia supports flexible APIs including unixfs, dag-cbor, and ipns to handle content addressing and in-process file operations.

Does Helia support offline peer-to-peer content delivery in JavaScript apps?▼

Yes, Helia supports offline peer-to-peer content delivery in JavaScript apps. By running a complete IPFS node in-process via createHelia, browser applications can perform offline content addressing and Bitswap without external dependencies.

When should I use createHeliaHTTP instead of a full IPFS node in the browser?▼

You should use createHeliaHTTP instead of a full IPFS node when you need a lightweight browser client. It provides an HTTP gateway fallback strategy for fetching assets and images without the overhead of running libp2p and DHT operations.