Columnar Transposition Cipher

Encode and decode the columnar transposition cipher using a keyword. Text is written in rows under the keyword and read out by columns in alphabetical key order.

Frequently asked questions

How does the columnar transposition cipher work?

You write the plaintext in rows under the letters of a keyword, then read the message off one column at a time, taking the columns in the alphabetical order of the keyword's letters. The keyword is the key, and only the order of letters changes.

Why are spaces removed?

Classic transposition works on a continuous block of letters, so spaces are stripped before encoding. This is normal for the cipher and keeps the grid regular. The decoded text comes back without the original spaces.

Is it strong?

A single columnar transposition is weak on its own, but applying it twice (double transposition) was historically considered quite strong. Here it is mainly for puzzles, learning and CTF challenges.