Shugarūn is utilized through the use of several runic symbols, each of which produce different effects depending on what rune is used. The runes can also be applied to the user's clothing or skin, as Tomoko tends to do with her fire rune, which allows her to expel heated flames from her fingertips at a moments notice. The usage of imprinting the rune upon the clothing or body is the most common method of marking as it allows the user to use the runes effect simply by directing their spiritual energy to the specified location. The effects are as diverse as there are individual runes, with each producing an entirely unique effect. Several runes can also be used together, mixing the effects, which adds yet more diversity to the end result available.