Grid reader
Turn source text into a grid and test several reading paths.
Paste source text, choose its dimensions, then read it by rows, columns, snake path, or spiral to look for a hidden message.
Source text
0 processed character(s)
Settings
Processed text
Dimensions
Mode
Format
Reading
Start
Direction
Empty cells
Result
Display
Add source text.
Quick explanation
The tool starts from source text and places it into a grid using the selected dimensions. You can then test four simple readings: rows, columns, snake path, and spiral.
Try this too
Need to create a printable grid?
Use Printable text grid to place a message into a printable grid, or Printable blank grid to prepare a solving sheet.
Additional information
How to use the grid reader
Type or paste source text, choose how it should be cleaned, then test a reading path. The result can be copied as continuous text or displayed as a grid.
Source text
The text can be processed as letters only, letters with digits, or raw text. This changes which characters are actually placed into the grid.
Dimensions
Automatic mode suggests formats that fit the text length. Custom mode lets you choose the exact number of columns and rows.
Result
Text display is useful for copying or downloading the reading. Grid display is useful for viewing and printing the result as cells.
Available reading modes
| Mode | Principle | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Rows | Reads the grid from left to right, row after row. | Check a classic reading or rebuild text placed horizontally. |
| Columns | Reads the grid from top to bottom, column after column. | Test a simple transposition where the text was written by columns. |
| Snake | Reads one row in one direction, then the next row in the opposite direction. | Find a message that zigzags without changing the row order. |
| Spiral | Follows a path that progressively turns inside the grid. | Explore a message placed in a spiral from the selected corner. |
Puzzle tip
Start with letters only, then adjust the dimensions until the grid looks regular. If you need to build a clean printable grid first, use Printable text grid. To prepare an empty solving sheet, use Printable blank grid.
Limits and reuse
AppErgo tools are provided free of charge for practical and informational purposes. Although care is taken in their design, a result may be incomplete, unexpected or incorrect. Before relying on a result for any important use, check it using an appropriate method.
To report a bug in the tool, you can use the dedicated bug report form.
Results produced by AppErgo tools may be copied and reused freely. When publicly reusing a result, a method or an AppErgo page, a link to the relevant page is appreciated.
Unless otherwise stated, AppErgo texts, images, visual elements, scripts, templates and internal components remain the property of AppErgo.
For any other request, you can contact the webmaster.