Cryptogram Generator

Turn a phrase into a printable cryptogram: a random letter substitution where no letter stands for itself, optional hint letters and a separate answer key.

A cryptogram is a phrase in which every letter has been replaced by another, using one scrambled alphabet throughout. Solvers crack it from letter patterns: a one-letter word is usually A or I, and a common three-letter word is often THE. Type your phrase and the generator builds a random substitution in which no letter maps to itself, the rule most puzzle books follow. For example, MEET AT NOON might come out as XRRF QF JGGJ, keeping the double letters that give solvers a foothold. Reveal a few letters as hints to make it easier, then print a sheet with a blank under every letter and the answer key on a separate page. Each click of New key makes a different puzzle from the same phrase.

Letters are replaced; spaces and punctuation stay as they are. 40 to 100 letters makes a good puzzle.

Hint letters

Puzzle preview

Press Generate to make a puzzle from your phrase.

Common use cases

  • Make a cryptogram for an escape room, party or puzzle hunt
  • Create printable code-breaking worksheets for a class
  • Turn a favorite quote into a puzzle for a newsletter or bulletin board
  • Hide a lock combination or final answer inside a quotation

How to use

  1. Type the phrase or quotation to encode.
  2. Choose how many hint letters to reveal, or type the exact letters to reveal.
  3. Press Generate. Press New key for a different substitution.
  4. Add a title and instructions, then print the puzzle sheet. The answer key prints on its own page.

FAQ

Why does no letter stand for itself?

It's the standard convention for cryptograms (an arrangement like this is called a derangement). It stops solvers from assuming some letters are unchanged, and it's what most puzzle books use.

How hard is a cryptogram to solve?

Longer phrases are easier, because letter frequencies and word patterns have more to work with. Short phrases with unusual words are the hardest. Revealing two or three hint letters makes a short puzzle fair for beginners.

Can I print the puzzle without the answer?

Yes. Printing gives a clean sheet with the puzzle and an optional A–Z grid for working, and puts the answer key on its own page, so you can hand out the puzzle and keep the solution.

Is my phrase sent anywhere?

No. The random alphabet is made in your browser with the Web Crypto API, and your phrase stays on your device.

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