INCRYPT STEGANOGRAPHY APP

User Guide & Documentation

WHAT IS INCRYPT?

Incrypt is a web-based steganography application that allows you to hide secret data (files or text messages) within PNG images. The hidden data is invisible to the naked eye and can only be extracted using the app's decode function.

Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-secret data or a physical object to avoid detection. In this case, we hide your data in the least significant bits of image pixels.

FEATURES

• ✓ Hide any file type within PNG images
• ✓ Hide text messages within PNG images
• ✓ Generate random pointillist art if no cover image provided
• ✓ Adjustable data capacity (1-8 bits per color channel)
• ✓ Automatic canvas expansion for large files
• ✓ Quality preservation options
• ✓ Share encoded images to the Incrypt feed
• ✓ Cross-platform web application (works on any device)

HOW TO USE - ENCODING DATA

1. LAUNCH THE APP

• Open the Incrypt web application in your browser
• The app will automatically detect your device's maximum canvas size

2. SELECT ENCODE MODE

• Click the "Encode Data → PNG" button
• This switches the app to encoding mode

3. CHOOSE A COVER IMAGE (OPTIONAL)

• Click "Choose Image File" to select a PNG, JPG, or other image format
• If no image is provided, the app will generate random pointillist art
• The app shows the data capacity of your selected image

4. SELECT DATA TYPE

• File: Choose any file type (.txt, .pdf, .zip, etc.)
• Text: Type or paste a text message directly

5. CONFIGURE ENCODING SETTINGS

• Bits per channel: Controls how much data can be hidden
  • 1-4 bits: Better image quality, less data capacity
  • 5-8 bits: Higher data capacity, may be more noticeable
• Preserve quality: Recommended for most uses
• Auto-expand canvas: Automatically increases image size if needed

6. ENCODE YOUR DATA

• Click "Generate Stego PNG" to start the encoding process
• Watch the progress bar as your data is hidden
• The app will create a new PNG file containing your hidden data

7. DOWNLOAD & SHARE

• Download your encoded PNG image
• Optionally share it to the Incrypt feed
• The encoded image looks identical to the original (or generated art)

HOW TO USE - DECODING DATA

1. SWITCH TO DECODE MODE

• Click the "Decode PNG → Data" button
• This switches the app to decoding mode

2. SELECT ENCODED IMAGE

• Click "Choose PNG File" to select your encoded image
• The app will automatically detect and extract the hidden data

3. VIEW EXTRACTED DATA

• Text messages are displayed directly in the app
• Files are automatically downloaded with their original names
• The app detects file types and suggests appropriate filenames

TECHNICAL DETAILS

DATA CAPACITY CALCULATION:

• Formula: (width × height × 3 × bits_per_channel) ÷ 8 = bytes
• Example: 1000×1000 image with 4 bits/channel = 1.5 MB capacity
• Color channels: Red, Green, Blue (3 channels per pixel)

BITS PER CHANNEL EXPLANATION:

• 1 bit: 1/8th of image capacity, minimal quality impact
• 4 bits: 1/2 of image capacity, recommended for quality
• 8 bits: Full image capacity, may be noticeable

CANVAS EXPANSION:

• Automatically increases image dimensions to fit large files
• Respects browser PNG encoding limits
• Maintains aspect ratio when possible

SUPPORTED FORMATS:

• Input images: PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF
• Output: PNG only (required for steganography)
• Hidden data: Any file type or text

BEST PRACTICES

FOR ENCODING:

• Use 4 bits or less for important images where quality matters
• Test with small files first to understand capacity limits
• Keep original images as backups
• Use descriptive filenames for encoded images

FOR DECODING:

• Ensure you have the correct encoded image
• Check that the image wasn't modified (compression can destroy hidden data)
• Use the same app version if possible

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS:

• Steganography provides concealment, not encryption
• Hidden data can be detected by specialized tools
• Don't rely on this for high-security applications
• Consider encrypting your data before hiding it

TROUBLESHOOTING

COMMON ISSUES:

1. "Data exceeds image capacity"

• Increase bits per channel (up to 8)
• Use a larger cover image
• Enable auto-expand canvas

2. "Processing failed" or "Worker error"

• Refresh the page and try again
• Check file size limits (browsers have memory constraints)
• Try with a smaller file first

3. "Cannot decode image"

• Ensure the image wasn't compressed or modified
• Check that you're using the correct encoded image
• Verify the image format is PNG

4. "App is slow or unresponsive"

• Large files take time to process
• Close other browser tabs to free memory
• Wait for the progress bar to complete

PERFORMANCE TIPS:

• Use images under 10MB for faster processing
• Close unnecessary browser tabs during encoding/decoding
• For very large files, consider splitting them into smaller parts

SHARING & COLLABORATION

INCRYPT FEED:

• Share your encoded images with the community
• Add custom descriptions to explain your work
• View other users' steganography creations
• Build a collection of hidden data examples

FILE NAMING CONVENTIONS:

• Use descriptive names: "vacation_photos_hidden.zip.png"
• Include data type: "secret_message.txt.png"
• Add version info: "project_v2_final.pdf.png"

ADVANCED USAGE

BATCH PROCESSING:

• Encode multiple files by processing them one at a time
• Use consistent settings across related images
• Keep a log of encoding parameters for reproducibility

QUALITY OPTIMIZATION:

• Test different bit settings to find the sweet spot
• Compare original vs. encoded images side-by-side
• Use lossless PNG format for maximum quality preservation

CAPACITY PLANNING:

• Calculate required image size before encoding
• Plan for future data additions
• Consider using multiple images for very large files

SUPPORT & COMMUNITY

OFFICIAL RESOURCES:

• Website: https://www.incrypt.net/
• Documentation: https://www.incrypt.net/documentation.html
• Community Feed: https://www.incrypt.net/feed.html

GETTING HELP:

• Check this guide for common solutions
• Visit the Incrypt website for updates
• Join the community feed to see examples
• Report bugs or request features through the official channels

LEGAL & ETHICAL USE

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Only hide data you own or have permission to hide
• Don't use steganography for illegal activities
• Respect copyright and intellectual property rights
• Be transparent about using steganography when appropriate
• Consider the ethical implications of hidden data

PRIVACY & SECURITY:

• Steganography provides concealment, not security
• Hidden data can be discovered by determined adversaries
• Use encryption for sensitive information
• Understand the limitations of the technology

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END OF USER GUIDE