[Coder-san]

Good fun project. Looking forward to see more from you.

[ArkPhaze]

What about trying to make the data transform algorithm more complex, to make the images more visually appealing/interesting, or even better

For my program this was the main focus, so good idea for consideration.

How does it work now? Is it simply filling it row after row? What about going in a "square" spiral, starting at the center? What about going zig-zag? Or diagonal?

Simply row by row, bottom to top column, each row right to left.

6<---5
4<---3
2<---1

For example, first store one third of the data in red channel, then green, then blue. Or take 8 pixels (8*3 = 24 bytes) and 24 bytes of input data and then take one bit from the first byte of the input data and store the bit in the first pixel. Then take second bit from the first byte of input data and store it in the second pixel and so on. Simply, don't put the whole input byte into a whole byte of one channel, but scatter the bits of the input byte among multiple pixels.

For each byte though wouldn't that be a large output? I'd need to test with a small file at first at least until I get some kind of compression.

An idea for actual encrypting - use some original arbitrary picture as a key - only store difference (for example, or XOR) from this picture, so it will be required for decoding as well. The picture will basically become a "password".

Hmmm... I knew you had a creative mind. This is a cool idea. I like it.

Instead of one large picture, generate a series of 8-bit bitmaps and then save them as an animated GIF. Since GIF already uses some compression, it might help to further compress the data. You can use it in combination with the above. You can generate a palette to make the images visually interesting or give user ability to generate a palette, for example using some color gradient.

Using a combination of real compression and this theory, I might be able to come up with some really cool method of encryption/compression...

Reading through the rest... For as much as I can't stand you sometimes lol. You do have some good replies.

These are some good ideas. This experimental project may actually even turn into a larger project now that i've got some ideas going.

[Frooxius]

For each byte though wouldn't that be a large output? I'd need to test with a small file at first at least until I get some kind of compression.

Sorry, I forgot to add one last part. It the output would be exactly the same size, because basically first byte input byte would be spread over first bits of eight pixels, second input byte would be spread over the second bits of eight pixels and such. Of course, apply that principle to whatever pixel format you're using.

Hmmm... I knew you had a creative mind. This is a cool idea. I like it.

Not really actually, I simply based it on the idea on encryption method that uses a random file that has same size as the input data and XORs it with input data, which is basically unbreakable encryption... except that the key is the same size as the file and needs to be transferred somehow x3 This is basically the same principle.

Using a combination of real compression

I think image compression is real compression like any other, it's just designed to be most effective for regular images of particular type (depending on specific compression).