Converting Ka Tamil to Unicode, in plain terms
Ka is one of the shorter font names in the legacy Tamil list, which makes it easy to overlook when you are trying to work out what an old file used. If you have a file like that, this converter is the quick way out: paste the Ka text, run the conversion, and you get Unicode Tamil that behaves like any other text you type today.
How to recognise Ka text
A reliable first test is to paste a line into a notepad-style editor. Font-encoded Tamil shows up as a jumble of letters and signs instead of Tamil script. To give you something concrete, this converter stores தமிழ் in Ka as Rªr, வணக்கம் as YQdLm and நன்றி as Su±. Ka stores தமிழ் as three characters (Rªr) and gave the same codes as Jeeva for our sample words. Because short stored forms depend on every character surviving, make sure nothing was lost when the text was copied out of the original document.
The conversion itself
Select the Ka text in the original file and copy it, then paste it into the left box. Press Convert text and the Unicode Tamil appears on the right. Use Copy result to move it into your editor, or Download .txt to keep a plain-text file. For a long document, work through it in sections so you can compare each one with the original as you go.
What to proofread afterwards
Read the result against the original side by side. Vowel signs, pulli forms and joined consonants are the usual suspects when a word is slightly off. Fixing one stubborn word by hand in Unicode is usually quicker than hunting for a perfect match.
Who tends to need this
Typical cases are reviving an old document, merging older writing with new Tamil, or publishing archived material online. In each one the content is fine; it is the storage format that has aged. A single conversion usually solves it.
A few practical tips
Start small, compare, then scale up. Always copy from the original rather than retyping, because retyping can change the exact characters a legacy format expects. If a file combines more than one font, convert the pieces separately. Finally, clear the boxes before the next document.
Why Unicode is worth the effort
Unicode Tamil works the same everywhere. The same text opens in a browser, a spreadsheet and a chat window without anyone installing a font, and it can be searched and indexed. After converting, keep the Unicode version as the one you edit and leave the Ka original untouched as a backup.
Related tools
If you ever need to go the other way, try Unicode to Ka. To write fresh Tamil with an English keyboard, use English to Tamil typing, or browse all Tamil font converters.
Ka to Unicode: common questions
What does Ka text look like when the font is missing?
Mostly like mixed Latin letters with accents and symbols, such as Rªr for தமிழ். It rarely looks like a normal word, so judging by sight alone is unreliable.
Can I convert Ka text that was typed in Word?
Yes. Copy the text out of Word as plain text and paste it into the input box. The Word font setting itself does not come along; only the characters do.
How accurate is it?
It follows the mapping built into the page and handles ordinary Tamil well. No converter is perfect for every rare character, so a quick proofread is always worth it.
Is it safe to paste a private document here?
The converter works inside your browser, which is a good sign for privacy, but use your own judgement. If a document is truly sensitive, convert a small portion first and clear both boxes when you finish.
What causes a few wrong characters in an otherwise good conversion?
Rare letters, symbols and conjunct forms are where formats differ most. Convert the problem word on its own to see whether the issue is the source text or the format.
Do I have to register to use this converter?
No registration is needed. It is a free online tool; open the page, paste, convert, copy.
Can I keep my layout?
The tool converts text, not layout. Paste the converted text into your document and apply the styles you need.