Mac Crypt

MacCrypt is a cryptogram puzzle game by Paul Dobbs that builds substitution ciphers from a text file and challenges the player to crack them. It supports drag-and-drop letter entry, hints, a built-in timer, multiple difficulty levels, and switchable puzzle files.

How it works

MacCrypt loads a plain-text file and converts it into a classic substitution-cipher cryptogram. The player works out the mapping letter by letter to reveal the hidden text.

Input options

Letters can be typed directly into the puzzle grid or dragged from a list of available (still-unused) letters, making the interface friendly for players of all ages.

Helpful features

Includes a hint system, a game timer, and selectable difficulty levels so newcomers and seasoned solvers can tune the challenge to their taste.

Puzzle libraries

Multiple puzzle files can be selected at runtime, letting users swap in different themed text sets or build their own from any plain-text source.

Author

Written by Paul Dobbs (dobbsp@home.com) and distributed through the Info-Mac archive as a small, focused word-puzzle utility for Classic Mac OS.