Secret messages, made in a click
In a cryptogram, every letter of a message is swapped for a different letter: every E might become Q, every T becomes M, and so on. Solvers crack the code using clues like short words (a one-letter word is almost always A or I), common patterns (THE, AND) and letter frequency. It is a perfect puzzle for curious kids, word lovers and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Type any message, such as a riddle answer, a class motto or a birthday greeting, or choose from our collection of short quotations. Every new code is a fresh random substitution where no letter ever stands for itself.
Hints that actually help
- Letters given: reveal 0–6 letters. The most common letters in your message are revealed first, which gives solvers the biggest head start.
- Frequency table: shows how many times each code letter appears. In English, E, T, A and O are usually the most common.
- Code-breaker key: a blank A–Z table for solvers to record what they have worked out.
About the quotes
The built-in quotations are from the public domain: proverbs, fables and authors such as Benjamin Franklin, Shakespeare, Thoreau, Emerson and Jane Austen. Where a saying is commonly misattributed, we say so. For your own messages, keep them under about 220 characters so the puzzle fits on one page. The answer key prints separately with the full message and the code table.
Questions people ask
How do you solve a cryptogram?
Look for one-letter words (usually A or I), three-letter words that could be THE or AND, apostrophes (’S and ’T are common) and the most frequent code letters, which are often E or T.
Can a letter stand for itself?
No. Every code is generated so that no letter maps to itself.
Are the quotes copyrighted?
The built-in quotes are public domain: old proverbs, fables and works by authors who died long ago. You can also type your own message.
How long can my message be?
Up to 220 characters, which is about two sentences, so it fits on one printed page.
Can I make it easier for kids?
Yes. Give 3–6 hint letters and keep the frequency table and code-breaker key on.