Hide In Picture
Modern HIP is a steganography utility for macOS & Windows that lets you hide any file inside a PNG image using AES-256 encryption. If you need help or have a question, you're in the right place.
Switch the app to Hide Mode (Red). Click the browse buttons to select your carrier PNG and the file you want to hide. Enter a strong Security Key for AES-256-GCM encryption, then click "Hide my file." A new image will be generated containing your encrypted data.
Switch the app to Retrieve Mode (Green). Select the PNG image that contains your hidden data and enter the original Security Key. Click "Retrieve my file" to decrypt and save your hidden file back to your machine.
PNG is a requirement for secure steganography. Unlike JPEGs, which use "lossy" compression that destroys hidden data bits, PNG is a lossless format. This ensures that your encrypted payload remains bit-perfect and recoverable every time.
The maximum hidden file size depends on the dimensions of your carrier PNG. As a general guide, a 1920x1080 PNG can hold approximately 750KB of hidden data. Larger images can accommodate larger payloads.
Modern HIP encrypts your hidden file using AES-256-GCM before embedding it in the image. The app has no internet connectivity and does not transmit any data. All operations are performed entirely on your local machine.
Your Security Key — the password you enter — is the only thing protecting your hidden data. The encryption is only as strong as the key you choose. We recommend using a long, random passphrase of at least 16 characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words or anything personally identifiable. A password manager can generate and store a strong key for you. There is no recovery option — if you forget your Security Key, your hidden data cannot be retrieved.
Choose a natural, unremarkable filename — something like vacation_photo.png or family_dinner.png. Avoid names that hint at hidden content such as "encrypted," "secured," "hidden," or "payload." The strength of steganography lies in the image appearing completely ordinary. A suspicious filename draws attention and undermines the entire concept.
Yes. Files hidden and encrypted on Windows can be retrieved and decrypted on macOS, and vice versa. As long as you use the same Security Key, Modern HIP works seamlessly across both platforms.
No. Most platforms — including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and iMessage — automatically recompress or convert uploaded images. This will permanently destroy the hidden data. Always share your image through methods that preserve the file exactly, such as email attachments, cloud storage links, or physical transfer via USB.
The most common cause is a typo in your Security Key. Even a single character difference will result in decryption failure — this is by design. Double-check your key carefully, including capitalization, spaces, and special characters. There is no recovery option — Modern HIP has no backdoor, no password reset, and no way to retrieve your data if the Security Key is lost or forgotten. Keep your key stored somewhere safe.
Yes. Modern HIP is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Yes. Modern HIP is compatible with macOS Monterey (12) and later, on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Questions? [email protected]