How (and Why) to Use Hidden Text in a Word Document

Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 by

When creating a Word document, you may have come across the option to add hidden text. But what exactly is hidden text, and why would you want to use it?

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hidden text in Word documents, including how to add it, why it can be useful, and how AI technology can help you create hidden text images.

What is Hidden Text?

Hidden text is text that is not visible when viewing a Word document, but can be revealed by changing the document’s settings. This feature is useful for adding notes, comments, or additional information that you don’t want to be visible to the reader.

How to Add Hidden Text in Word

To add hidden text in a Word document, follow these steps:

  1. Select the text you want to hide.
  2. Right-click on the selected text and choose “Font” from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the “Font” window, check the box next to “Hidden” under the “Effects” section.
  4. Click “OK” to save the changes.

The selected text will now be hidden from view. To reveal the hidden text, go to the “File” tab, click on “Options”, and then select “Display” from the left-hand menu. Under the “Always show these formatting marks on the screen” section, make sure the box next to “Hidden text” is checked. Click “OK” to save the changes, and the hidden text will now be visible.

Why Use Hidden Text?

There are several reasons why you may want to use hidden text in a Word document. Here are a few examples:

  • Notes or Comments: Hidden text can be useful for adding notes or comments to a document without cluttering up the visible text. This is especially helpful for collaborative documents where multiple people may be adding their own comments or suggestions.
  • Additional Information: If you have additional information that you want to include in a document, but don’t want it to be visible to the reader, you can use hidden text. This could be helpful for providing background information or sources for a report or essay.
  • Draft Versions: Hidden text can also be used to create different versions of a document without having to create multiple files. You can hide certain sections of text in one version and reveal them in another, making it easier to compare and edit different versions.

Using AI to Create Hidden Text Images

While hidden text in a Word document can be useful, it can also be easily revealed by changing the document’s settings. This is where AI technology comes in.

With AI, you can create images with hidden text that cannot be revealed by simply changing the document’s settings. This is achieved by embedding the hidden text into the image itself, making it impossible to remove without the use of AI technology.

How Does it Work?

AI technology uses a process called steganography to embed hidden text into an image. Steganography is the practice of concealing a message within another message, such as hiding a secret message within an image.

Using AI, the hidden text is converted into a series of pixels and then embedded into the image. These pixels are virtually undetectable to the human eye, making it nearly impossible to reveal the hidden text without the use of AI technology.

Why Use AI for Hidden Text Images?

Using AI to create hidden text images offers several benefits:

  • Increased Security: By embedding hidden text into an image, you can ensure that the text cannot be revealed by simply changing the document’s settings. This can be useful for sensitive information or confidential documents.
  • Protection Against Plagiarism: If you are sharing a document with others, using hidden text images can protect against plagiarism. Since the hidden text cannot be easily revealed, it makes it more difficult for others to copy and use your work without permission.
  • Creative Uses: AI technology allows for creative uses of hidden text images. For example, you could create a puzzle or game where the hidden text must be revealed in order to solve it.

How to Create Hidden Text Images with AI

To create hidden text images using AI, follow these steps:

  1. Choose an AI tool that offers the ability to create hidden text images. Some popular options include DeepAI’s https://deepai.org/machine-learning-model/steganography and https://github.com/DimitarPetrov/stegify.
  2. Upload the image you want to use and enter the text you want to hide.
  3. The AI tool will then embed the hidden text into the image, creating a new image with the hidden text included.
  4. Save the new image and use it as desired.

Real-World Examples of Hidden Text Images

Hidden text images have a variety of real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Digital Watermarks

Digital watermarks are used to protect images from being used without permission. By embedding hidden text into an image, it can serve as a digital watermark that cannot be easily removed.

Cryptography

Cryptography is the practice of creating and deciphering secret codes. Hidden text images can be used as a form of cryptography, where the hidden text serves as the secret code that must be revealed in order to solve the puzzle.

Advertising

Hidden text images can also be used in advertising to create interactive and engaging campaigns. For example, a company could create a hidden text image with a special offer or discount code that can only be revealed by using AI technology.

Conclusion

Hidden text in Word documents can be a useful tool for adding notes, comments, or additional information without cluttering up the visible text. However, using AI technology to create hidden text images offers increased security and creative possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create hidden text images and explore the many ways they can be used in the real world.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.