> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.libertyswap.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.libertyswap.finance/liberty-launchpad/buy-back-and-burn/manual-burn.md).

# Manual Burn

*Optional — open to anyone.*

You can burn your own tokens at any time, before or after graduation. This is separate from the [automatic fee burn](/liberty-launchpad/fees.md) that runs on every trade.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Burning does NOT pay out PLS.** It is a pure supply reduction, not a way to exit. To exit a position for value, use **Sell**.
{% endhint %}

Why it is built this way: if burning refunded you along the curve, someone could buy and burn on repeat, recovering their money in full while permanently destroying inventory — which would leave the curve unable to ever reach graduation, locking transfers forever. Keeping the two apart is what keeps the contract solvent.

You can only burn tokens in your own wallet. Nobody can reach the contract's own inventory.

## Side by Side

|                     | Fee Burn                                | Manual Burn                                |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Who triggers it     | Automatic, every trade                  | You, deliberately                          |
| What funds the buy  | The 1% fee, from the contract's reserve | Nothing — it burns tokens you already hold |
| Do you get PLS back | No (the money stays in the reserve)     | No                                         |
| When it works       | Only before graduation                  | Any time                                   |
| Whose tokens burn   | The ones the contract just bought       | The ones in your wallet                    |