Preparing Unicode Tamil for SunTommy
SunTommy is a legacy Tamil format that you may see in older documents prepared on desktop publishing setups. This page takes Unicode Tamil and rewrites it as SunTommy text, so you can hand it to something that still expects that format. Language and wording do not change; only the stored characters do.
What to expect from the result
Legacy output only becomes Tamil when the right font is applied to it. To give you something concrete, this converter stores தமிழ் in SunTommy as jkpo;, வணக்கம் as tzf;fk; and நன்றி as ed;wp. For our sample words SunTommy produced the same characters as Bamini, for example jkpo; for தமிழ். Do not rely on that for everything. Rare letters and symbols are where formats drift apart, so spot-check them.
Converting step by step
Put your Unicode Tamil in the input box and run the conversion. Start with a short paragraph so you can check the result in the program that needs it. The counters under each box help confirm that nothing was dropped.
Check it where it will be used
The only real test of legacy output is the program that will use it. Paste a few words there, set the font to SunTommy, and read the Tamil. If letters are missing or swapped, check that the font name matches the format. Pay special attention to pure consonants, long vowels and joined letters.
Typical situations
This is usually a delivery step, not a writing step. You write and edit in Unicode, convert at the end, and send the SunTommy file on. If the recipient later accepts Unicode, you can drop the conversion entirely.
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 the Unicode copy still matters
Treat the SunTommy text as a delivery copy. Unicode is the version you can edit, search and share safely, and it is easy to produce a fresh legacy copy whenever you need one. Editing legacy text directly is the surest way to introduce small errors.
Related tools
To move legacy text back into Unicode, use SunTommy to Unicode. To write new Tamil from an English keyboard, try English to Tamil typing, or look through all Tamil font converters.
Unicode to SunTommy: common questions
SunTommy and Bamini gave me the same result. Can I use either?
For common words the codes matched, so the output often will too. For anything important, use the converter that matches the file and review unusual letters.
Why do some words convert and others come out wrong?
Usually a rare letter, a conjunct such as க்ஷ, or a symbol that the source handled differently. Isolate the word and test it alone.
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.