Converting Vanavil Avvaiyar Tamil to Unicode, in plain terms
Vanavil Avvaiyar is the name attached to a legacy Tamil font that you will mostly encounter in older typeset documents. If you have a file like that, this converter is the quick way out: paste the Vanavil Avvaiyar text, run the conversion, and you get Unicode Tamil that behaves like any other text you type today.
How to recognise Vanavil Avvaiyar 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 Vanavil Avvaiyar as jäœ, வணக்கம் as tz¡f« and நன்றி as e‹¿. Vanavil and LT-TM are close relatives. For தமிழ், Vanavil stores jäœ while LT-TM stores jÄœ, a one-accent difference. If a converted word has one wrong letter, try the neighbouring format.
The conversion itself
Select the Vanavil Avvaiyar 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 Vanavil Avvaiyar original untouched as a backup.
Related tools
If you ever need to go the other way, try Unicode to Vanavil Avvaiyar. To write fresh Tamil with an English keyboard, use English to Tamil typing, or browse all Tamil font converters.
Vanavil Avvaiyar to Unicode: common questions
How do I tell Vanavil Avvaiyar apart from LT-TM?
By testing. Paste a short phrase into both tools and see which gives the correct Tamil. The formats are similar but not identical.
Do I need the Vanavil font installed to convert?
No. The converter reads the characters you paste. You only need the font if you want the legacy text to look like Tamil in another program.
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.
Is the Vanavil Avvaiyar font included with this tool?
The page can show a preview where one is supplied, but the converter itself does not depend on installing anything. It works with the character codes.