Project Report: PixelCrypt – Image
Steganography Tool
Title
PixelCrypt: A Secure Image-Based Steganography Tool
Abstract
In an era of growing digital communication, protecting sensitive data is more important
than ever. While encryption conceals content, steganography hides the existence of
communication itself. This project presents PixelCrypt, a lightweight image steganography
tool that hides secret messages inside digital images using the Least Significant Bit (LSB)
technique. It features a simple interface, secure encoding and decoding, and optional AES
encryption for added protection. PixelCrypt enables private, invisible, and safe
communication for personal and academic use.
Objectives
- To develop a tool that can embed and extract hidden messages in images.
- To use the LSB (Least Significant Bit) technique for steganography.
- To optionally integrate AES-256 encryption for secure messaging.
- To build a simple, user-friendly interface for easy access.
- To allow saving and sharing of stego images.
Problem Statement
As digital threats increase, securing data is no longer enough — we must also protect the
existence of data. Traditional encryption methods indicate that something is being hidden,
attracting unwanted attention. Steganography solves this by concealing messages inside
ordinary media files. This project aims to implement a steganographic tool that offers
privacy without revealing the presence of secret communication.
Tools & Technologies Used
- Language: Python / Flutter / Java (choose one)
- UI: Tkinter / Streamlit / Jetpack Compose / Flutter
- Libraries: PIL, OpenCV, PyCryptodome (for Python)
- Algorithm: LSB (Least Significant Bit)
- Optional: AES Encryption (128/256-bit)
- Platform: Desktop / Android / Web (select as per your build)
System Modules
1. Image Encoder Module
- Accepts image and text input
- Hides the message using LSB technique
- Saves the output (stego image)
2. Image Decoder Module
- Takes the stego image
- Extracts hidden message from LSB bits
- Decrypts message if encryption is enabled
3. Encryption Module (Optional)
- AES encryption of messages before embedding
- Requires a passphrase to decrypt on decode
4. UI Module
- File picker for image selection
- Text input for secret message
- Buttons for encode, decode, save
Working Principle
- Encoding:
1. Convert secret message to binary.
2. Modify the least significant bits of image pixels to embed the message bits.
3. Save the stego image.
- Decoding:
1. Read the least significant bits of image pixels.
2. Reconstruct binary and decode to text.
3. Decrypt if AES was used.
Results
- Successfully hid text messages in PNG and BMP images.
- Stego images were visually identical to the original.
- Message extraction was 100% accurate.
- AES-encrypted messages could only be decoded with the correct passphrase.
- Tool works on [Windows / Android / Linux] depending on the build.
Conclusion
PixelCrypt provides an effective method of hiding sensitive messages within images using
steganography. It’s fast, secure, and visually lossless. The optional integration of encryption
further enhances message security. This project shows that everyday users can
communicate privately, without leaving a trace.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steganography
- https://pycryptodome.readthedocs.io
- https://docs.flutter.dev
- LSB Image Hiding – GeeksforGeeks, ResearchGate
