CharPix

CharPix is a cross-platform Python tool designed to securely encode and decode text messages as PNG images using AES-256 encryption. It transforms any text into a base64-encrypted binary stream and visually represents it as an image. Later, it can decode and decrypt that image back into text — only with the correct password.

Features

• AES-256-GCM encryption with password-based protection
• Text-to-image encoding using binary bitmaps (PNG format)
• CLI-based interface for automation and scripting
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Zero dependencies beyond Python + Pillow + PyCryptodome
• Extensible design for future steganography or GUI features

Installation

Clone the repository and install dependencies:

git clone https://github.com/QuantumByteStudios/CharPix.git
cd CharPix
pip install -r requirements.txt

Ensure you are using Python 3.8 or higher.

Usage

Run the encoder or decoder from the CLI:

Encode (Encrypt + Convert to Image)

python charpix.py encode -i message.txt -o secret.png -p yourPassword

• Encrypts message.txt using AES-256
• Converts encrypted base64 string into binary
• Outputs secret.png

Decode (Image to Decrypted Text)

python charpix.py decode -i secret.png -o output.txt -p yourPassword

• Extracts binary data from image
• Decrypts using password
• Outputs original text to output.txt

Project Structure

CharPix/
│
├── .gitignore                 # Git Ignore File
├── charpix.py                 # Main CLI entry point
├── LICENSE.md                 # License information
├── README.md                  # Project documentation
├── requirements.txt           # Python dependencies

Output

• Generates encoded PNG images (1 bit per pixel for now)
• Decryption requires exact password used during encoding
• Output text is saved to file after decoding

Use Cases

• Share encrypted messages as images over insecure channels
• Build programming puzzles or CTF challenges
• Educate others about binary data and encryption basics
• Embed secrets in images for creative or experimental use

Technologies

• Python 3
• Pillow (image encoding)
• PyCryptodome (AES encryption)
• Base64 encoding/decoding
• Argparse (CLI interface)

Limitations

• Image files grow large with big inputs (currently 1-bit-per-pixel)
• Not resistant to image compression or resizing
• No embedded metadata for format validation yet
• Not a replacement for full steganography tools (yet)

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See LICENSE.md for details.

Author

Developed by QuantumByteStudios. Contributions and suggestions are welcome.
For inquiries, email us at contact@quantumbytestudios.in.