r/codes

47K archived posts · Jan 2011 – Sep 2026

Codes & ciphers

r/codes

Hiding data, cracking codes, finding hidden messages. We welcome posts that aren't as suitable for /r/crypto, such as basic cipher-cracking challenges and discussions of simple data hiding.

Created Jan 21, 2011

132KMembers (last snapshot)

47KArchived posts

ABOUT

Hiding data, cracking codes, finding hidden messages. We welcome posts that aren't as suitable for r/crypto, such as basic cipher-cracking challenges and discussions of simple data hiding.

WHERE TO START

USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

RULES

Choose a Descriptive Title
Examples of what NOT to use:
- Cipher I just came up with
- My friend just sent me this
- Please help me solve this!!
Provide Context
Tell us context: where the cipher originated (link to the source if possible), any clues you might have, the language or format the plaintext might use, and any technique you already tried.
Provide Transcription
If you are posting an image of text which you can type or copy & paste, you MUST comment with a TRANSCRIPTION (text version).
Posting Special Characters: Make Sure It's Correct
Pay attention to formatting. If you use a character like _ or ` or ^ you need to type a \ before it or Reddit will corrupt your ciphertext.
If your ciphertext contains special characters, in order that it displays correctly you can encode it first (for instance using Base64). Alternatively use a Code Block.
Provide Enough Example Text
Posting your own custom cipher? You must provide enough example text or there is no hope of anyone solving it. It should be at least a paragraph. Give hints.
Do Not Delete Solved Posts
You will be BANNED if you delete your post after a solution has been provided.
No Ciphers from Ongoing Contests
Do not post codes or ciphers from ongoing competitions (CTFs, treasure hunts etc.). Such posts will be removed. Trying to circumvent this rule may get you BANNED.
New Accounts
Your account must be older than 24 hours, or your post will be automatically deleted. This is to reduce spamming.
No Bots
If your bot is not auto-banned on r/codes, it will be banned by a moderator. You can still have a bot on other subreddits; just don't use a bot here.
No AI Generated Decryptions
Please, refrain from posting decryptions generated with ChatGPT and similar AI programs. Such posts and comments will be removed. Repeated breaking of this rule will get you BANNED.
Required Proof You Read The Rules
If you have read and understood these rules, include the text "I followed the rules" encrypted with ROT-13 cipher in your post.

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