ROT13 Encoder/Decoder
A two-way tool to instantly encode and decode ROT13 text.
About the ROT13 Encoder/Decoder
We built this tool to provide a simple, fast, and interactive way to use the ROT13 cipher. ROT13 is a basic substitution cipher where each letter is "rotated" 13 places through the alphabet. For example, 'A' becomes 'N', and 'N' becomes 'A'. It's a fun and classic way to lightly obscure text.
Our tool is designed to be the best and most intuitive to use. It features a unique **two-way conversion**: you can type in either the "Plain Text" box or the "ROT13 Text" box, and the other will update instantly. This makes it feel like a real-time translator. The entire process happens securely in your browser, so your text is never sent to our servers.
How to Use the Tool
- Simply type or paste your text into either of the two text boxes.
- The other text box will instantly update with the converted text (either encoded to ROT13 or decoded from it).
- You can use the buttons to copy the ROT13 output, clear both boxes, or load a sample sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ROT13 stand for?
ROT13 stands for "Rotate by 13 places." It's a simple substitution cipher where each letter in the text is replaced by the letter that is 13 positions after it in the alphabet. Because there are 26 letters, applying ROT13 twice gets you back to the original text.
Is ROT13 a form of encryption?
No, ROT13 should **never** be used for security. It is a simple method of obfuscation (hiding text from a casual glance), not encryption. It provides no real cryptographic security and can be reversed by anyone who knows what it is, including with this very tool.
What is ROT13 used for?
ROT13 became popular on early internet forums (like Usenet) as a way to hide spoilers, punchlines, puzzle solutions, or potentially offensive material from a casual glance. You would have to consciously decode the text to read it, which prevented people from accidentally seeing something they didn't want to.
Does ROT13 affect numbers and symbols?
No. The ROT13 cipher only applies to the letters of the English alphabet (A-Z, a-z). All other characters, such as numbers, symbols, and spaces, are left unchanged by the conversion.
Is the text I enter private?
Yes. All encoding and decoding happens directly in your web browser on your computer. Your text is never sent to our servers, so you can safely use this tool without any privacy concerns.