Getting Started with Stegodon

Quick Workflow

1. Choose a carrier image or WAV file.
2. Pick whether you want to hide text or a file.
3. Optionally enable randomization and/or encryption.
4. Embed and download the stego file.
5. Later, open the stego file in Extract to recover the payload.

Interface Layout

Stegodon provides four sections:

Step 1 — Choose a Carrier

In the Embed tab, select a carrier file.

Supported carriers:

• images
• WAV audio files

For images

Stegodon exports the result as PNG.

For audio

Only PCM WAV 8-bit or 16-bit is supported.

Step 2 — Pick LSB Settings

Choose:

• 1 bit per channel/sample for greater subtlety
• 2 bits per channel/sample for more capacity

If the carrier is an image, you can also choose which channels to use:

• R
• G
• B

By default, all three are enabled.

Step 3 — Optional Security Features

You may enable either or both:

• Randomize payload placement
• AES-GCM encrypt payload

If either option is enabled, you must provide a passphrase.

What each option does

Step 4 — Choose a Payload

Pick one payload mode:

• Text
• File

Text mode

Type a message in the text area.

File mode

Choose a file from your device.

The original filename is stored in the embedded header so it can be offered during extraction.

Step 5 — Analyze Capacity

Click Analyze capacity before embedding.

Stegodon estimates approximate capacity based on:

• carrier dimensions or sample count
• selected channels
• chosen LSB depth

This is an estimate of total raw embedding capacity, not the final usable payload size after header overhead.

Step 6 — Embed and Download

Click Embed & Download.

Stegodon will:

1. build a header
2. optionally encrypt the payload
3. convert data into symbols
4. write the header sequentially
5. write the payload sequentially or randomized
6. generate a downloadable output file

Output naming

• images are downloaded as originalname.stego.png
• WAV files are downloaded as originalname.stego.wav

Step 7 — Extract Later

To recover the payload:

1. open the Extract tab
2. choose the stego file
3. enter the passphrase if the payload was randomized and/or encrypted
4. click Extract

If the payload was text, it appears directly in the result area.

If the payload was a file, Stegodon provides a download link.

Best First Test

A simple first test is:

• carrier: PNG image
• payload: short text
• LSB count: 1
• image channels: R, G, B
• randomization: off
• encryption: off

Then try again with encryption and randomization enabled to confirm your passphrase workflow.

Recommended Best Practices

• Prefer PNG or BMP-style lossless inputs
• Prefer 1-bit LSB for lower detectability
• Use a strong passphrase when randomization or encryption is enabled
• Keep payloads relatively small for better concealment
• Avoid editing or recompressing the stego output after embedding