How to encode a message
Choose Text → symbols and enter your message. Select Convert to draw one symbol for each letter. Lowercase becomes uppercase; spaces, line breaks, numbers and common punctuation stay readable. The muted HELLO WORLD example can be converted before you edit the field.
To share the result, save an SVG for sharp printing or a PNG for image messages. These files use a white background. The preview wraps at 32 characters so longer messages remain manageable; the exported image uses the same line breaks.
How to decode a message
Switch to Symbols → text. Compare the original message with the key below, then tap its shapes in reading order. Add spaces and line breaks using the keypad. Backspace removes the last character. Convert shows the corresponding letters, which you can copy.
Try encoding HELLO WORLD, then select the same shapes on the decoding keypad. The result should be HELLO WORLD. As another check, encode A J S W: A and J share a grid outline, while S and W share a cross outline; the second member of each pair has a dot.
Read the key before solving
Pigpen replaces letters with parts of a grid or an X. This page uses the displayed arrangement throughout its keypad, preview and exports. The first grid contains A–I in reading order and the dotted grid contains J–R. The cross order is top, left, right, bottom.
Other puzzles may use a different alphabet order, rotate the key or swap dotted groups. If a message looks wrong, compare the puzzle’s supplied key before assuming the text is incorrect. This tool does not detect variants or read symbols from photographs.
Limits and privacy
Text and symbols are processed locally in your browser. The tool accepts the 26 basic Latin letters, digits and the punctuation shown in ordinary English messages. Accented letters and emoji produce an error instead of being silently changed.
Pigpen is a substitution puzzle, not secure encryption. Letter patterns and word lengths remain visible. Use it for games, classroom activities and printable clues, not for protecting secrets. Editing the message clears the previous result and disables its copy and export actions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I paste pigpen as text?
There is no universally supported pigpen alphabet in ordinary fonts. Enter symbols with the keypad; share encoded output as SVG or PNG.
Why does my puzzle use different letters?
Pigpen keys vary. This page uses the arrangement printed above, so first compare it with your puzzle’s key.
Are numbers encrypted?
No. Digits, spaces and supported punctuation remain readable. Only A–Z are replaced by symbols.
Can I decode a photo?
No. Read the shapes in your picture and select them manually on the keypad.