ASL Gloss Converter

ASL gloss is a written way to label American Sign Language signs with English words. Teachers and students use it in class notes. Signs appear in CAPITAL LETTERS, like HELLO or THANK-YOU.

This free ASL gloss converter turns a plain English sentence into that study style. It is not a live interpreter. It is a writing helper for practice, homework, and captions.

What Is ASL Gloss?

American Sign Language is visual. Gloss is the paper version. Each sign gets an English tag. “I” often becomes IX-1 (a point to yourself). “You” becomes IX-2. “My” becomes POSS-1.

English extras often drop. Words like the, a, is, and are are not usually signed one-for-one. Time words often lead. WH-questions often sit at the end: YOUR NAME WHAT.

How This Tool Works

The converter swaps common phrases first. “Thank you” becomes THANK-YOU. “I don’t know” becomes IX-1 KNOW NOT. Then leftover words go to CAPITAL gloss. Small English glue words are removed.

Real ASL also uses face, pause, and space. Gloss cannot show a raised eyebrow or a headshake. Use this output as a sketch, then check with a teacher, a Deaf signer, or a class video.

Features at a Glance

Feature	Details
Price	Free
Signup	Not required
Output	ASL gloss in CAPITALS
Copy paste	Yes
Works on	Phone, tablet, computer
Best for	Class notes, practice, study

How to Use the ASL Gloss Converter

Step 1: Type English in the left box.

Step 2: Read the gloss on the right.

Step 3: Click copy.

Step 4: Paste it into notes, a worksheet, or a study chat.

Example Conversions

• What is your name? → YOUR NAME WHAT
• I am going to the store tomorrow → TOMORROW IX-1 GO STORE
• Thank you → THANK-YOU
• I don't know → IX-1 KNOW NOT

The tool uppercases the line. Time words may still sit where you typed them. For class, you can move TODAY or TOMORROW to the front by hand.

Common Gloss Labels

• IX-1 – I / me
• IX-2 – you
• IX-3 – he / she
• POSS-1 – my
• FINISH – done / completed
• NOT – negation
• THANK-YOU – thank you
• WHAT / WHERE / WHO / WHY – WH signs

Where People Use ASL Gloss

ASL class. Students gloss homework instead of inventing their own shortcuts.

Study notes. CAPITAL tags are easier to scan than mixed English.

Practice chats. Learners share a gloss line before they film a sign.

Is This Real ASL?

No. Gloss is English labels for signs. It is not the language itself. It cannot replace a certified interpreter, a Deaf teacher, or Signing Exact English vs. ASL lessons.

Different schools gloss a little differently. Some write ME, some write IX-1. Treat this page as a starter, not a rulebook.

Common Questions

Is the ASL gloss converter free? Yes. No account and no paywall.

Does this teach me how to sign? No. It only writes gloss. Learn signs from Deaf instructors and clear video.

Why is everything in capitals? That is the usual gloss look. Capitals mark signs, not shouting.

Does copy paste work? Yes. The output is normal text.

Does it work on mobile? Yes. The boxes stack on a phone.

Final Words

ASL gloss is a study script. This converter gives you that script in seconds.

Type English. Copy the CAPITAL gloss. Paste it into your notes. Free, fast, and built for practice.