Choosing a hiding method
The Method selector in the Hide panel offers four options. Two work on PNG or BMP photos, two on JPEG photos. Within each pair the trade-off is the same: more space or harder to detect.
| Method | Carrier | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| PNG or BMP — more hiding space | PNG, BMP | Uses more of each pixel: roughly double the capacity, slightly easier for detection tools to spot. |
| PNG or BMP — harder to detect | PNG, BMP | Uses less of each pixel: half the capacity, a subtler footprint. |
| JPEG photo — standard | JPEG | Hides directly inside a JPEG photo. Good capacity on busy photos. |
| JPEG photo — harder to detect | JPEG | Less capacity, but significantly more resistant to detection tools. |
Rules of thumb
- Match the method to the carrier. A PNG/BMP method needs a PNG/BMP carrier; the JPEG methods need a JPEG. Mismatches fail with a format error.
- Busy beats flat. A detailed photo (foliage, texture, crowds) hides data far better than a flat logo or screenshot, in every method.
- When in doubt, use "more hiding space" on a PNG. It's the default: dependable, roomy, and PNG survives file-based transfer perfectly.
- Choose "harder to detect" when the image will be scrutinised. If your threat model includes someone actively running detection tools, take a "harder to detect" method and keep the payload small relative to the carrier.
How much fits?
Run the carrier through the Capacity panel — it reports what each method can hold for that specific image. As a rough guide, the roomiest PNG method on a 12-megapixel photo holds several megabytes; the hardest-to-detect JPEG method holds the least of the four.
Tip
Payload too big? Compress it first (zip), split it, or use a larger carrier. A payload near the capacity ceiling also concentrates changes, making detection easier — headroom is stealth.