Unicode Zero-Width Character Tool

Hide secret messages in plain text using invisible zero-width Unicode characters. Encode and decode hidden information for steganography.

Unicode Zero-Width Character Steganography Tool

Encode and decode hidden messages using zero-width Unicode characters

Secret Message

Cover Text (optional)

The secret message will be hidden within this text using invisible characters.

How It Works

This tool uses zero-width Unicode characters to hide messages within normal text:

Each character of your message is converted to binary (8 bits)
Binary 0 = Zero Width Space (U+200B)
Binary 1 = Zero Width Non-Joiner (U+200C)
The zero-width characters are inserted into the cover text
The result looks identical to normal text but contains hidden data

How the Unicode Zero-Width Tool Works

Enter text to add or remove zero-width characters. Choose from zero-width space (ZWSP), zero-width non-joiner (ZWNJ), zero-width joiner (ZWJ), and other invisible characters.

Zero-width characters affect text rendering without visible output. ZWSP allows line breaks. ZWJ joins characters (used in emoji sequences). ZWNJ prevents ligatures.

Detect hidden zero-width characters in text. Visualize where they're located. Remove unwanted invisible characters. Essential for text cleaning and security.

When You'd Actually Use This

Cleaning copied text

Text from websites may contain invisible characters. Remove zero-width spaces and other hidden chars. Clean text for processing or storage.

Creating custom emoji sequences

ZWJ joins emoji into sequences. Man + ZWJ + Computer = 👨‍💻. Build custom emoji combinations for supported platforms.

Debugging text issues

Text behaving strangely? May contain invisible characters. Detect and visualize zero-width chars. Identify the source of problems.

Security analysis

Zero-width chars can hide data or bypass filters. Detect steganographic use. Security research and content moderation.

Typography control

Control ligature formation with ZWNJ. Force or prevent character joining. Fine-tune typography in complex scripts.

Line break control

Insert ZWSP to allow breaks in long words. Control where text can wrap. Useful for URLs and long identifiers.

What to Know Before Using

Zero-width chars are invisible.They affect text but don't display. This makes them hard to detect. Use this tool to visualize and manage them.

Different zero-width chars have different purposes.ZWSP (U+200B): line break opportunity. ZWNJ (U+200C): prevent joining. ZWJ (U+200D): force joining. Each has specific use.

Some systems strip zero-width chars.Social media and forms may remove invisible characters. Don't rely on them for critical functionality. Test in your target system.

Security implications exist.Zero-width chars can hide watermarks or bypass filters. Be aware when processing untrusted text. Scan for hidden content.

Pro tip: When cleaning user input, strip zero-width characters unless you specifically need them. They're rarely intentional and often cause issues.

Common Questions

What is a zero-width space?

U+200B. Invisible character that allows line breaks. Used to indicate break opportunities in long words. Doesn't create visible space.

How do I type zero-width characters?

Use character map or copy from this tool. Some systems support Unicode input. Or use this tool to insert them into your text.

Why would text have invisible characters?

Sometimes intentional (typography, emoji). Often accidental (copied from web). Can be malicious (steganography). Context matters.

What's ZWJ used for?

Zero-width joiner connects characters. Used in Arabic ligatures and emoji sequences. Man + ZWJ + Woman = couple emoji.

Can zero-width chars hide data?

Yes, this is called steganography. Different zero-width chars can represent bits. Used for invisible watermarks. Security concern.

How do I remove zero-width characters?

Use this tool's remove function. Or search/replace in your editor. Regex: [\u200B-\u200F\u2028-\u202F] matches common zero-width chars.

Are zero-width chars safe?

Generally yes, but can be used maliciously. Scan untrusted text. Remove if not needed. Be cautious in security-sensitive contexts.

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