Cipher
Pigpen Cipher Translator
The pigpen cipher, also called the Freemason cipher, replaces each letter with a fragment of a grid, sometimes with a dot. It is a symbol cipher, so the chart below shows the shape for every letter while the tool handles the text mapping.
Result appears here
It is a favourite for secret notes and treasure maps. Study the chart, then use the reference to write and read your own messages.
How the Pigpen Cipher works
Letters are laid out in two tic-tac-toe grids and two X shapes. Each letter takes the shape of the lines around its position, and letters in the second grid and second X get a dot.
To write a letter you draw the corner or edges that surround it. To read pigpen, match each symbol back to its position in the grids using the chart.
Examples
Pigpen Cipher chart
Every letter at a glance. Use it to read or write by hand.
History and origins
The pigpen cipher dates to at least the 18th century and was used by Freemasons to keep records private, which is why it is often called the Freemason cipher. It also appears in Civil War correspondence.
Its charm is that it looks mysterious and alien while being genuinely easy to learn, which is exactly why it shows up in puzzles and children's spy kits.
Frequently asked questions
How does the pigpen cipher work?
Letters are arranged in two grids and two X shapes. Each letter is written as the lines that surround its cell, with a dot added for letters in the second grid and X. Match the shapes to the chart to read it.
Why is it called the Freemason cipher?
Freemasons used it to keep their records private, so the pigpen cipher picked up the Freemason name. The pigpen name comes from the way letters sit in pen-like grid cells.
Learn more
Go deeper on the ideas behind this tool.