Image Stego Tool

The Image Stego Tool provides a deterministic framework to prototype image-based data hiding. It accepts a base image, a payload, and a selected encoding strategy. The core goal is to preserve the visible appearance while embedding bits into pixel values. It supports lossless formats and explicit capacity estimation to avoid over-embedding. This tool is intended for developers, researchers, and forensic analysts who need to assess embedding capacity and understand the trade-offs between payload size and image fidelity.

Core operations include serializing the payload into a bit stream, mapping bits to pixel channels via LSB modifications, and optionally encrypting the payload before embedding. The same method and key are required for extraction. Outputs include a stego image that retains visual similarity and extraction results. The tool also reports embedding capacity and expected distortion to aid decisions. Advanced options allow multiple embedding schemes and simple integrity checks to detect corruption.

Users span researchers validating steganalysis, educators teaching data hiding concepts, and developers embedding lightweight metadata in images for provenance.