Online Tool Store
Runic Script Converter
Convert typed text into Elder Futhark runic characters (and back), letter by letter, for tattoos, crafts, or fantasy writing.
This works right here on your device — nothing gets sent out.
Elder Futhark has no separate letters for C, Q, or X — they map to the closest sound (K, K, and KS). Reverse conversion is approximate for the same reason: multiple Latin letters share a rune.
How Runic Script Converter works
- Type or paste English text — a sample sentence is pre-filled and converted immediately.
- Each Latin letter is looked up in an Elder Futhark transliteration table and replaced with its corresponding rune, one character at a time; spaces and punctuation pass through unchanged.
- Switch the direction dropdown to convert runes back to Latin letters — since several Latin letters can share one rune (C, K, and Q all map to ᚲ), the reverse direction uses the most common letter for that rune.
- Copy the result with the Copy button for use elsewhere.
The conversion is a straightforward character map, the same technique used for any letter-substitution cipher — just with a historical rune set standing in for the Latin alphabet instead of a shifted alphabet.
FAQ
Which runic alphabet does this use?
Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet, used by Germanic peoples from roughly the 2nd to 8th centuries — the 24-rune version most people picture when they think of runes. It predates the Younger Futhark used later in Viking-age Scandinavia.
Why do some letters share the same rune?
Elder Futhark simply has fewer letters than the modern Latin alphabet — it never distinguished C from K or Q, for example, so all three map to ᚲ. Converting back from runes to Latin text is therefore approximate: the tool picks the most common Latin letter for each rune.
Can I use this for a tattoo or engraving?
It gives a reasonable letter-by-letter transliteration, which is the standard approach most rune generators use — but historical runic inscriptions did not always spell things the way a direct letter substitution would. For anything permanent, it is worth cross-checking against a rune reference before committing.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | Doing it manually | A generic online tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| No file upload — runs in your browser | ✓ | N/A | ✗ |
| No sign-up required | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free, no watermark | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Most "rune generator" sites are cluttered with ads around a single conversion box, or gate the reverse direction behind a sign-up. Runic Script Converter does both directions instantly, entirely client-side, with the letter-sharing caveat stated plainly instead of hidden.