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.

âž± Transaction Execution

Receiving your Runes may take some time.

This is because the swap service first sends your funds to an intermediate wallet. If the Rune price changes during transaction processing, the service will continue trying to complete the swap for up to 24 hours. If the swap cannot be completed within that time, your funds will be automatically returned to your Vault.

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.

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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