Cipher maker
Encode any message with 6 classic ciphers: Caesar, A1Z26, Morse, Atbash, Reverse or ROT13. Copy or print the result with its solution key, or lock the decoded answer in one click.
Nothing is sent to any server. All encoding happens in your browser.
What is a cipher maker?
A cipher maker converts readable text (plaintext) into an encoded form (ciphertext) using a specific algorithm. The recipient can only read the message if they know which cipher was used and what the decoding key is, which is what makes ciphers the perfect mechanic for escape rooms, treasure hunts, and classroom puzzle activities.
The 6 ciphers explained
Caesar cipher shifts every letter by a fixed number of positions in the alphabet. With a shift of 3, A becomes D, B becomes E, and Z wraps around to C. It is the oldest documented cipher: Julius Caesar used it to protect military messages. Adjust the shift slider to make it easier or harder to crack.
A1Z26 replaces each letter with its alphabetical position: A=1, B=2, all the way to Z=26. Players need to convert numbers back to letters, making it ideal for paper hunts where they can write out the key on a reference card.
Morse code encodes letters as sequences of dots and dashes. Originally designed for telegraph transmission, it is now a staple of adventure-themed escape rooms and outdoor treasure hunts. Words are separated by a slash.
Atbash is a mirror substitution: A becomes Z, B becomes Y, C becomes X. It is symmetric: applying the same cipher twice returns the original message. No key needed, which makes it accessible for younger players.
Reverse text writes the message backwards. The simplest of all six ciphers, but effective as a warm-up puzzle or a misdirection step in a multi-stage game.
ROT13 is a Caesar cipher with a fixed shift of 13. Because 13 is exactly half the alphabet, applying ROT13 twice returns the original text. It is widely used on internet forums to hide spoilers.
How to use a cipher in an escape room or scavenger hunt
The most effective use of a cipher is as one step in a multi-stage puzzle chain. Players find a Morse-encoded message, decode it to get a 4-digit number, then enter that number into a virtual lock to reveal the next clue. This creates a satisfying loop of discovery and confirmation.
For beginners, use Caesar shift 3 or Reverse. For experienced groups, combine two ciphers: encode with Caesar first, then apply Atbash. Players must reverse-engineer the correct order.
Once you have your encoded message, use the Copy button to paste it into your game materials, or hit Print to save a PDF prop card. Lock the answer behind a free virtual lock at Lock Challenge so players only advance when they crack the code correctly.
For more puzzle ideas, see the guide to escape game design or the escape room clue generator to build a complete clue sheet around your cipher.
From a cipher to a lock
A printed ciphertext is a prop; a lock is the moment it pays off. Under the encoded message above, the tool writes the two texts the builder asks for: the question players read, which carries the ciphertext, and the hint, which carries the solution key. Leave the automatic hint on and a group that misses three times gets the key by itself rather than giving up. Rewrite either one before you press "Lock it", and the builder opens on exactly that step.
Cipher comparison table
| Cipher | Difficulty | Best for | Key needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesar | Easy | Beginners, kids | Yes (shift number) |
| A1Z26 | Easy | Paper hunts, classrooms | No (standard A=1) |
| Morse | Medium | Adventure themes | No (standard) |
| Atbash | Easy | Quick puzzles | No (self-keyed) |
| Reverse | Very easy | Warm-up clues | No |
| ROT13 | Easy | Online contexts | No (standard 13) |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the easiest cipher for beginners?
- Caesar shift 3 and Reverse text are the easiest. Both can be decoded with a reference card in under a minute, making them good starting points for younger players or first-time escape room participants.
- Can I use multiple ciphers in the same game?
- Yes. Layer them: encode the message with Caesar first, then apply Atbash to the result. Players must crack both steps in reverse order. This creates a multi-stage puzzle from a single tool.
- Do players need a decoder or special tool?
- No. This cipher maker outputs the encoded message AND the solution key in the same block. Print both, distribute only the encoded version, and hide the key at a later station or reveal it as a reward.
- How do I connect a cipher to a virtual lock?
- Encode the lock combination using a cipher. Players decode the ciphertext to get the digits or word, then enter it at a Lock Challenge virtual lock. The lock only opens with the correct answer, confirming they decoded it right.
- What does the lock get when I press "Lock it"?
- A whole step, not just an answer. The decoded message becomes the answer, on a numeric pad if it is digits and a password pad otherwise; the question players read carries the ciphertext, and the solution key travels as the hint, set to show itself after three wrong answers. Both texts can be rewritten on this page before you open the builder.
- What is the difference between a cipher and a code?
- A cipher transforms individual letters or characters using a systematic rule (shift, mirror, substitute). A code replaces whole words or phrases with symbols or other words. Escape room puzzles almost always use ciphers because the rule can be applied precisely and verified automatically.
Free tools
Lock Simulator
Set a combination, a word or a sequence, write the question and the hint, and try the lock as a player would. Publish it in one click.
Lock Code Generator
Turn a date or a word into lock codes with the question and the hint already written: day-month, A1Z26, phone keypad, reversed.
Escape Room Clue Generator
Riddles with answers that fit a lock, by theme and difficulty, question and hint included. Lock any clue in one click.