How to run ord against testnet and etch Runes (works for v 0.16.0)

Step 1: Run and sync Bitcoin core on testnet.

To run ord against testnet we first need to run Bitcoin core in testnet mode. This is done by adding a -testnet flag to the start command:

• Note: It is possible to run both testnet and mainnet at the same time, but that requires to configuring different ports and data directories for the two setups.
• Note: This guide expects that bitcoin core does not run on mainnet. So either quit your existing running node or configure a new datadir for testnet and also add -port=18333 (default port is 18332).
• Note: Syncing on testnet is much faster then mainnet, but it still requires a few hours.

Step 2: Open a terminal (Linux and Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows) and navigate to the folder where you have ord.

• Note: You can always check all available commands yourself by running ord --help.

Step 3: Start the ord server against testnet

To start the ord server, you need to run the following command in the terminal.

• Note: Running the server will connect to your bitcoin core node and synchronize ord. You therefore need to specify the data dir of your bitcoin core node (the same folder you specified when starting bitcoin core on the testnet).
• Note: The flag --index-runes is required to sync Runes and use the Rune specific commands.

Step 4: Create a wallet

When you create a new wallet, you will be returned a seed phrase. Backup this seed phrase in a safe place (you have done it with XVerse and all other wallets, same procedure here).

• Note: You need to open a new terminal or command prompt to run new commands since the server is still running in the old terminal/command prompt.

Step 5: Fund your wallet

Funding your wallet is a 2 way process. First you need to get the address of your wallet, then you need to send Testnet funds to that address. To get the address, run the following command in the terminal.

• Note: You need testnet BTC to send to your address. Google BTC testnet faucet and you should get some alternatives. Testnet faucets are usually unstable to try a bunch.

Step 6: Etch some Runes

When the node is fully synced we can start with etching some runes.

• --rune: Name of the Rune.
• --divisibility: How many decimals should your Rune have?
• --supply: Total supply
• --symbol: The symbol of the Rune.
• --fee-rate: sets the fee rate in sats/vByte for the etching. We are on testnet so 1-2 is enough.