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Pigpen Cipher

Encrypt with the classic pigpen substitution cipher.

Pigpen output

Decoder key

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

The pigpen cipher uses two 3x3 grids and two X shapes. A through I sit in the first grid, J through R in the second grid (with a dot), S through V in the first X, W through Z in the second X (with a dot). Each letter becomes the lines surrounding its cell.

About

Pigpen replaces letters with symbols based on a tic-tac-toe and X grid. Used by Freemasons in the 1700s and grade-school spies ever since. Outputs both as symbols (rendered) and as a key reference.

How to use

  1. Type plaintext.
  2. See the pigpen symbols.
  3. Save as image or copy the key.

FAQ

Is pigpen secure?+

No. It's a one-to-one substitution. Anyone with the key reads it instantly. Useful for puzzles and historical interest.