> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://book.runesterminal.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://book.runesterminal.io/4.-how-do-bitcoin-runes-work/etching-creating-a-rune.md).

# Etching (Creating a Rune)

Much like the process of creating a Bitcoin ordinal is called inscribing, the process of creating a Bitcoin rune is called “etching.” This involves creating a “genesis” UTXO, which includes the details of the rune’s name, symbol, decimals, and total supply. 

This information is assigned to a single UTXO. Sending out transactions creates fractionalized, fungible pieces of the original UTXO, and those new pieces are called Runes.

Etching creates new runes with immutable properties set by the etcher:<br>