CryptoAid Basics

Using this program instead of a pencil and paper makes it easier to solve cryptograms. You still need to use your mental skills, since it doesn't solve them for you.

After you enter the cryptogram and click the SOLVE button, the program:

• Lays out the cryptogram in double-spaced rows, with only entire words on each line.
• Counts the letters in the cryptogram and displays a bar graph showing the letter frequencies.
• Allows substitution of an answer letter for each crypto letter by either mouse or keyboard selection.
• Places the answer letter above the crypto letter, giving a visual "fill in the blanks" solution method.
• Lets you start over again by erasing all the previous guesses, without retyping the cryptogram.
• Lets you correct any mistakes in entering the cryptogram without completely retyping it. After making the correction, the guesses that have been made are replaced.

Instead of typing in cryptograms, you can:

• Import cryptograms from text files.
• Make a random selecion from a library file.

When the program is run, the TYPE IN CRYPTOGRAM window is opened and an edit field is available to input the cryptogram. You may type it in yourself, import it from the clipboard by clicking on the IMPORT button, or have a random cryptogram placed in the edit field by clicking on the SAMPLE button. Any text in the edit field can be changed with standard text editing methods. When the typing is complete, clicking the SOLVE button (or pressing the ENTER key) opens the SOLVE CRYPTOGRAM window.

The SOLVE CRYPTOGRAM window provides an on-screen scratchpad that aids you in solving the cryptogram.

Within this window, you can:

• Make guesses for letter replacement.
• Delete a guess and make another.
• Erase all guesses and start over by clicking on the ERASE button.
• Edit the cryptogram to correct a mistake made when typing it in, without losing the guesses already made by clicking on the RETYPE button.

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