Runes
What Are Runes?
Runes are a new protocol for creating and managing fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin base layer, without relying on off-chain data, external indexers, or additional layers. The protocol was introduced by Casey Rodarmor (creator of Ordinals).
Unlike other Bitcoin-based token standards like BRC-20, which depend heavily on off-chain indexers and inscription parsing, Runes are fully UTXO-based and on-chain, making them more efficient, lightweight, and aligned with Bitcoin’s native architecture.
🔧 How Runes Work
Runes use Bitcoin's UTXO model to store and transfer token balances.
Tokens are created through a process called etching, which defines the Rune's name, supply, divisibility, symbol, and optional terms.
All data is embedded in the OP_RETURN field of standard Bitcoin transactions.
The protocol avoids account-based logic, keeping things lean and scalable.
💡 Key Features
Fully on-chain and indexer-free
Simple UTXO-based transfers
Flexible minting via etching rules
Stateless and efficient by design
🧱 Origin of Runes
Runes originate when someone etches (creates) a new Rune via a Bitcoin transaction. The creator defines:
Token name (e.g.,
MOONRUNE)Symbol or ID
Total supply
Decimal places (divisibility)
Minting rules (e.g., who can mint and when)
Once etched, these tokens can be distributed, traded, or held — all natively on Bitcoin.
Swap Runes
âž± Open the Asigna multisig app
Navigate to the Asigna multisig app in your web browser: https://btc.asigna.io/
âž± Select the Vault
On the homepage page select the Vault and open it by clicking the Vault preview card.
âž± Access Swap
Navigate to the Swap section, where a modal window will appear.
Input the BTC Amount, select the Rune type from the list of available Runes.
Configure the Max Slippage and Fee Rate if needed. Optimal Route will be selected automatically.
âž± Transaction Confirmation
Click Swap button and confirm the transaction in the connected wallet.
Note, creating this transaction requires 2 signatures.
âž± Transaction Execution
Before the transaction is executed, it must be signed by the required number of Vault owners. Once the confirmation threshold is reached, locate this transaction in the Transactions section -> Queue tab and click the Execute button to start broadcasting of the transaction.
Transfer Runes
âž± Open the Asigna multisig app
Navigate to the Asigna multisig app in your web browser: https://btc.asigna.io/
âž± Select the Vault
On the homepage page select the Vault and open it by clicking the Vault preview card.
âž± Access Runes
Navigate to the Assets section -> Runes tab, where you will find a list of the available Runes. Runes can be transferred to other Vaults or Wallets just like any other token.
âž± Send Runes
To initiate a transfer, click the Send button.
A modal window will appear, prompting you to input the Rune type, Amount, and Recipient Address.
You can send any amount of Runes from your available balance — either a portion or the full amount. Sending a portion of your Runes will create two new UTXOs with Runes, each with a size of 546 sats.
After entering the necessary details, you'll be prompted to select a transaction fee. You can choose from the recommended fee options or input a custom fee.
âž± Transaction Review and Confirmation
Once the fee is set, you'll be able to review the transaction details. If everything is correct, click Confirm button and confirm the transaction in the connected wallet.
âž± Transaction Execution
Before the transaction is executed, it must be signed by the required number of Vault owners. Once the confirmation threshold is reached, locate this transaction in the Transactions section -> Queue tab and click the Execute button to start broadcasting of the transaction.
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