Version 3.1.0 now with experimental DCT support.

frontends/api/main.py

@@ -1,19 +1,20 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """
-Stegasoo REST API
+Stegasoo REST API (v3.0)
 
 FastAPI-based REST API for steganography operations.
 Supports both text messages and file embedding.
+NEW in v3.0: LSB and DCT embedding modes.
 """
 
 import io
 import sys
 import base64
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Optional, Literal
 from datetime import date
 
-from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException, UploadFile, File, Form
+from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException, UploadFile, File, Form, Query
 from fastapi.responses import Response, JSONResponse
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 
@@ -30,6 +31,14 @@ from stegasoo import (
     has_argon2,
     FilePayload,
     MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE,
+    # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding modes
+    EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+    EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
+    has_dct_support,
+    compare_modes,
+    will_fit_by_mode,
+    calculate_capacity_by_mode,
 )
 from stegasoo.constants import (
     MIN_PIN_LENGTH, MAX_PIN_LENGTH,
@@ -55,13 +64,30 @@ except ImportError:
 
 app = FastAPI(
     title="Stegasoo API",
-    description="Secure steganography with hybrid authentication. Supports text messages and file embedding.",
+    description="""
+Secure steganography with hybrid authentication. Supports text messages and file embedding.
+
+## Embedding Modes (v3.0)
+
+- **LSB mode** (default): Spatial LSB embedding, full color output, higher capacity
+- **DCT mode**: Frequency domain embedding, grayscale output, ~20% capacity, better stealth
+
+Use the `/modes` endpoint to check availability and `/compare` to compare capacities.
+""",
     version=__version__,
     docs_url="/docs",
     redoc_url="/redoc",
 )
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# TYPE ALIASES
+# ============================================================================
+
+EmbedModeType = Literal["lsb", "dct"]
+ExtractModeType = Literal["auto", "lsb", "dct"]
+
+
 # ============================================================================
 # MODELS
 # ============================================================================
@@ -90,6 +116,10 @@ class EncodeRequest(BaseModel):
     rsa_key_base64: Optional[str] = None
     rsa_password: Optional[str] = None
     date_str: Optional[str] = None
+    embed_mode: EmbedModeType = Field(
+        default="lsb",
+        description="Embedding mode: 'lsb' (default, color) or 'dct' (grayscale, requires scipy)"
+    )
 
 
 class EncodeFileRequest(BaseModel):
@@ -104,6 +134,10 @@ class EncodeFileRequest(BaseModel):
     rsa_key_base64: Optional[str] = None
     rsa_password: Optional[str] = None
     date_str: Optional[str] = None
+    embed_mode: EmbedModeType = Field(
+        default="lsb",
+        description="Embedding mode: 'lsb' (default, color) or 'dct' (grayscale, requires scipy)"
+    )
 
 
 class EncodeResponse(BaseModel):
@@ -112,6 +146,7 @@ class EncodeResponse(BaseModel):
     capacity_used_percent: float
     date_used: str
     day_of_week: str
+    embed_mode: str = Field(description="Embedding mode used: 'lsb' or 'dct'")
 
 
 class DecodeRequest(BaseModel):
@@ -121,6 +156,10 @@ class DecodeRequest(BaseModel):
     pin: str = ""
     rsa_key_base64: Optional[str] = None
     rsa_password: Optional[str] = None
+    embed_mode: ExtractModeType = Field(
+        default="auto",
+        description="Extraction mode: 'auto' (default), 'lsb', or 'dct'"
+    )
 
 
 class DecodeResponse(BaseModel):
@@ -132,20 +171,60 @@ class DecodeResponse(BaseModel):
     mime_type: Optional[str] = None  # For file
 
 
+class ModeCapacity(BaseModel):
+    """Capacity info for a single mode."""
+    capacity_bytes: int
+    capacity_kb: float
+    available: bool
+    output_format: str
+
+
 class ImageInfoResponse(BaseModel):
     width: int
     height: int
     pixels: int
-    capacity_bytes: int
+    capacity_bytes: int = Field(description="LSB mode capacity (for backwards compatibility)")
-    capacity_kb: int
+    capacity_kb: int = Field(description="LSB mode capacity in KB")
+    # NEW in v3.0
+    modes: Optional[dict[str, ModeCapacity]] = Field(
+        default=None,
+        description="Capacity by embedding mode (v3.0+)"
+    )
+
+
+class CompareModesRequest(BaseModel):
+    """Request for comparing embedding modes."""
+    carrier_image_base64: str
+    payload_size: Optional[int] = Field(
+        default=None,
+        description="Optional payload size to check if it fits"
+    )
+
+
+class CompareModesResponse(BaseModel):
+    """Response comparing LSB and DCT modes."""
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    lsb: dict
+    dct: dict
+    payload_check: Optional[dict] = None
+    recommendation: str
+
+
+class ModesResponse(BaseModel):
+    """Response showing available embedding modes."""
+    lsb: dict
+    dct: dict
 
 
 class StatusResponse(BaseModel):
     version: str
     has_argon2: bool
     has_qrcode_read: bool
+    has_dct: bool  # NEW in v3.0
     day_names: list[str]
     max_payload_kb: int
+    available_modes: list[str]  # NEW in v3.0
 
 
 class QrExtractResponse(BaseModel):
@@ -154,27 +233,165 @@ class QrExtractResponse(BaseModel):
     error: Optional[str] = None
 
 
+class WillFitRequest(BaseModel):
+    """Request to check if payload will fit."""
+    carrier_image_base64: str
+    payload_size: int
+    embed_mode: EmbedModeType = "lsb"
+
+
+class WillFitResponse(BaseModel):
+    """Response for will_fit check."""
+    fits: bool
+    payload_size: int
+    capacity: int
+    usage_percent: float
+    headroom: int
+    mode: str
+
+
 class ErrorResponse(BaseModel):
     error: str
     detail: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 # ============================================================================
-# ROUTES
+# ROUTES - STATUS & INFO
 # ============================================================================
 
 @app.get("/", response_model=StatusResponse)
 async def root():
     """Get API status and configuration."""
+    available_modes = ["lsb"]
+    if has_dct_support():
+        available_modes.append("dct")
+    
     return StatusResponse(
         version=__version__,
         has_argon2=has_argon2(),
         has_qrcode_read=HAS_QR_READ,
+        has_dct=has_dct_support(),
         day_names=list(DAY_NAMES),
-        max_payload_kb=MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE // 1024
+        max_payload_kb=MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE // 1024,
+        available_modes=available_modes
     )
 
 
+@app.get("/modes", response_model=ModesResponse)
+async def api_modes():
+    """
+    Get available embedding modes and their status.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Shows LSB and DCT mode availability.
+    """
+    return ModesResponse(
+        lsb={
+            "available": True,
+            "name": "Spatial LSB",
+            "description": "Embed in pixel LSBs, outputs PNG/BMP",
+            "output_format": "PNG (color)",
+            "capacity_ratio": "100%",
+        },
+        dct={
+            "available": has_dct_support(),
+            "name": "DCT Domain",
+            "description": "Embed in DCT coefficients, outputs grayscale PNG",
+            "output_format": "PNG (grayscale)",
+            "capacity_ratio": "~20% of LSB",
+            "requires": "scipy",
+        }
+    )
+
+
+@app.post("/compare", response_model=CompareModesResponse)
+async def api_compare_modes(request: CompareModesRequest):
+    """
+    Compare LSB and DCT embedding modes for a carrier image.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Returns capacity for both modes and recommendation.
+    Optionally checks if a specific payload size would fit.
+    """
+    try:
+        carrier = base64.b64decode(request.carrier_image_base64)
+        comparison = compare_modes(carrier)
+        
+        response = CompareModesResponse(
+            width=comparison['width'],
+            height=comparison['height'],
+            lsb={
+                "capacity_bytes": comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                "capacity_kb": round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                "available": True,
+                "output_format": comparison['lsb']['output'],
+            },
+            dct={
+                "capacity_bytes": comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                "capacity_kb": round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                "available": comparison['dct']['available'],
+                "output_format": comparison['dct']['output'],
+                "ratio_vs_lsb_percent": round(comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb'], 1),
+            },
+            recommendation="lsb" if not comparison['dct']['available'] else "dct for stealth, lsb for capacity"
+        )
+        
+        if request.payload_size:
+            fits_lsb = request.payload_size <= comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes']
+            fits_dct = request.payload_size <= comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes']
+            
+            response.payload_check = {
+                "size_bytes": request.payload_size,
+                "fits_lsb": fits_lsb,
+                "fits_dct": fits_dct,
+            }
+            
+            # Update recommendation based on payload
+            if fits_dct and comparison['dct']['available']:
+                response.recommendation = "dct (payload fits, better stealth)"
+            elif fits_lsb:
+                response.recommendation = "lsb (payload too large for dct)"
+            else:
+                response.recommendation = "none (payload too large for both modes)"
+        
+        return response
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
+
+
+@app.post("/will-fit", response_model=WillFitResponse)
+async def api_will_fit(request: WillFitRequest):
+    """
+    Check if a payload of given size will fit in the carrier image.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports both LSB and DCT modes.
+    """
+    try:
+        # Validate mode
+        if request.embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+            raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+        
+        carrier = base64.b64decode(request.carrier_image_base64)
+        result = will_fit_by_mode(request.payload_size, carrier, embed_mode=request.embed_mode)
+        
+        return WillFitResponse(
+            fits=result['fits'],
+            payload_size=result['payload_size'],
+            capacity=result['capacity'],
+            usage_percent=round(result['usage_percent'], 1),
+            headroom=result['headroom'],
+            mode=request.embed_mode
+        )
+        
+    except HTTPException:
+        raise
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - QR CODE
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/extract-key-from-qr", response_model=QrExtractResponse)
 async def api_extract_key_from_qr(
     qr_image: UploadFile = File(..., description="QR code image containing RSA key")
@@ -206,6 +423,10 @@ async def api_extract_key_from_qr(
         return QrExtractResponse(success=False, error=str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - GENERATE
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/generate", response_model=GenerateResponse)
 async def api_generate(request: GenerateRequest):
     """
@@ -243,13 +464,23 @@ async def api_generate(request: GenerateRequest):
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - ENCODE (JSON)
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/encode", response_model=EncodeResponse)
 async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest):
     """
     Encode a text message into an image.
     
     Images must be base64-encoded. Returns base64-encoded stego image.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports embed_mode parameter ('lsb' or 'dct').
     """
+    # Validate mode
+    if request.embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+        raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+    
     try:
         ref_photo = base64.b64decode(request.reference_photo_base64)
         carrier = base64.b64decode(request.carrier_image_base64)
@@ -263,7 +494,8 @@ async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest):
             pin=request.pin,
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key,
             rsa_password=request.rsa_password,
-            date_str=request.date_str
+            date_str=request.date_str,
+            embed_mode=request.embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         stego_b64 = base64.b64encode(result.stego_image).decode('utf-8')
@@ -274,7 +506,8 @@ async def api_encode(request: EncodeRequest):
             filename=result.filename,
             capacity_used_percent=result.capacity_percent,
             date_used=result.date_used,
-            day_of_week=day_of_week
+            day_of_week=day_of_week,
+            embed_mode=request.embed_mode,
         )
         
     except CapacityError as e:
@@ -291,7 +524,13 @@ async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
     Encode a file into an image (JSON with base64).
     
     File data must be base64-encoded.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports embed_mode parameter ('lsb' or 'dct').
     """
+    # Validate mode
+    if request.embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+        raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+    
     try:
         file_data = base64.b64decode(request.file_data_base64)
         ref_photo = base64.b64decode(request.reference_photo_base64)
@@ -312,7 +551,8 @@ async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
             pin=request.pin,
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key,
             rsa_password=request.rsa_password,
-            date_str=request.date_str
+            date_str=request.date_str,
+            embed_mode=request.embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         stego_b64 = base64.b64encode(result.stego_image).decode('utf-8')
@@ -323,7 +563,8 @@ async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
             filename=result.filename,
             capacity_used_percent=result.capacity_percent,
             date_used=result.date_used,
-            day_of_week=day_of_week
+            day_of_week=day_of_week,
+            embed_mode=request.embed_mode,
         )
         
     except CapacityError as e:
@@ -334,13 +575,24 @@ async def api_encode_file(request: EncodeFileRequest):
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - DECODE (JSON)
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/decode", response_model=DecodeResponse)
 async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest):
     """
     Decode a message or file from a stego image.
     
     Returns payload_type to indicate if result is text or file.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports embed_mode parameter ('auto', 'lsb', or 'dct').
+    With 'auto' (default), tries LSB first then DCT.
     """
+    # Validate mode
+    if request.embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+        raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+    
     try:
         stego = base64.b64decode(request.stego_image_base64)
         ref_photo = base64.b64decode(request.reference_photo_base64)
@@ -352,7 +604,8 @@ async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest):
             day_phrase=request.day_phrase,
             pin=request.pin,
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key,
-            rsa_password=request.rsa_password
+            rsa_password=request.rsa_password,
+            embed_mode=request.embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         if result.is_file:
@@ -376,6 +629,10 @@ async def api_decode(request: DecodeRequest):
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - ENCODE/DECODE (MULTIPART)
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/encode/multipart")
 async def api_encode_multipart(
     day_phrase: str = Form(...),
@@ -387,7 +644,8 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
     rsa_key: Optional[UploadFile] = File(None),
     rsa_key_qr: Optional[UploadFile] = File(None),
     rsa_password: str = Form(""),
-    date_str: str = Form("")
+    date_str: str = Form(""),
+    embed_mode: str = Form("lsb"),  # NEW in v3.0
 ):
     """
     Encode using multipart form data (file uploads).
@@ -395,7 +653,15 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
     Provide either 'message' (text) or 'payload_file' (binary file).
     RSA key can be provided as 'rsa_key' (.pem file) or 'rsa_key_qr' (QR code image).
     Returns the stego image directly as PNG with metadata headers.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports embed_mode parameter ('lsb' or 'dct').
     """
+    # Validate mode
+    if embed_mode not in ("lsb", "dct"):
+        raise HTTPException(400, "embed_mode must be 'lsb' or 'dct'")
+    if embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+        raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+    
     try:
         ref_data = await reference_photo.read()
         carrier_data = await carrier.read()
@@ -443,7 +709,8 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
             pin=pin,
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
             rsa_password=effective_password,
-            date_str=date_str if date_str else None
+            date_str=date_str if date_str else None,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         day_of_week = get_day_from_date(result.date_used)
@@ -455,7 +722,8 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
                 "Content-Disposition": f"attachment; filename={result.filename}",
                 "X-Stegasoo-Date": result.date_used,
                 "X-Stegasoo-Day": day_of_week,
-                "X-Stegasoo-Capacity-Percent": f"{result.capacity_percent:.1f}"
+                "X-Stegasoo-Capacity-Percent": f"{result.capacity_percent:.1f}",
+                "X-Stegasoo-Embed-Mode": embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
             }
         )
         
@@ -463,6 +731,8 @@ async def api_encode_multipart(
         raise HTTPException(400, str(e))
     except StegasooError as e:
         raise HTTPException(400, str(e))
+    except HTTPException:
+        raise
     except Exception as e:
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
 
@@ -475,14 +745,23 @@ async def api_decode_multipart(
     pin: str = Form(""),
     rsa_key: Optional[UploadFile] = File(None),
     rsa_key_qr: Optional[UploadFile] = File(None),
-    rsa_password: str = Form("")
+    rsa_password: str = Form(""),
+    embed_mode: str = Form("auto"),  # NEW in v3.0
 ):
     """
     Decode using multipart form data (file uploads).
     
     RSA key can be provided as 'rsa_key' (.pem file) or 'rsa_key_qr' (QR code image).
     Returns JSON with payload_type indicating text or file.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Supports embed_mode parameter ('auto', 'lsb', or 'dct').
     """
+    # Validate mode
+    if embed_mode not in ("auto", "lsb", "dct"):
+        raise HTTPException(400, "embed_mode must be 'auto', 'lsb', or 'dct'")
+    if embed_mode == "dct" and not has_dct_support():
+        raise HTTPException(400, "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy")
+    
     try:
         ref_data = await reference_photo.read()
         stego_data = await stego_image.read()
@@ -515,7 +794,8 @@ async def api_decode_multipart(
             day_phrase=day_phrase,
             pin=pin,
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
-            rsa_password=effective_password
+            rsa_password=effective_password,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         if result.is_file:
@@ -535,13 +815,26 @@ async def api_decode_multipart(
         raise HTTPException(401, "Decryption failed. Check credentials.")
     except StegasooError as e:
         raise HTTPException(400, str(e))
+    except HTTPException:
+        raise
     except Exception as e:
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# ROUTES - IMAGE INFO
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.post("/image/info", response_model=ImageInfoResponse)
-async def api_image_info(image: UploadFile = File(...)):
+async def api_image_info(
-    """Get information about an image's capacity."""
+    image: UploadFile = File(...),
+    include_modes: bool = Query(True, description="Include capacity by mode (v3.0+)")
+):
+    """
+    Get information about an image's capacity.
+    
+    NEW in v3.0: Optionally includes capacity for both LSB and DCT modes.
+    """
     try:
         image_data = await image.read()
         
@@ -551,7 +844,7 @@ async def api_image_info(image: UploadFile = File(...)):
         
         capacity = calculate_capacity(image_data)
         
-        return ImageInfoResponse(
+        response = ImageInfoResponse(
             width=result.details['width'],
             height=result.details['height'],
             pixels=result.details['pixels'],
@@ -559,6 +852,26 @@ async def api_image_info(image: UploadFile = File(...)):
             capacity_kb=capacity // 1024
         )
         
+        # NEW in v3.0 - include mode comparison
+        if include_modes:
+            comparison = compare_modes(image_data)
+            response.modes = {
+                "lsb": ModeCapacity(
+                    capacity_bytes=comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                    capacity_kb=round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                    available=True,
+                    output_format=comparison['lsb']['output'],
+                ),
+                "dct": ModeCapacity(
+                    capacity_bytes=comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                    capacity_kb=round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                    available=comparison['dct']['available'],
+                    output_format=comparison['dct']['output'],
+                ),
+            }
+        
+        return response
+        
     except HTTPException:
         raise
     except Exception as e:

frontends/cli/main.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ Usage:
     stegasoo decode [OPTIONS]
     stegasoo verify [OPTIONS]
     stegasoo info [OPTIONS]
+    stegasoo compare [OPTIONS]  # NEW in v3.0
 """
 
 import sys
@@ -29,9 +30,16 @@ from stegasoo import (
     DAY_NAMES, __version__,
     StegasooError, DecryptionError, ExtractionError,
     FilePayload,
-    # New in 2.2.1
     will_fit,
     strip_image_metadata,
+    # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding modes
+    EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+    EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
+    has_dct_support,
+    compare_modes,
+    will_fit_by_mode,
+    calculate_capacity_by_mode,
 )
 
 # QR Code utilities
@@ -68,6 +76,11 @@ def cli():
     • Reference photo (something you have)
     • Daily passphrase (something you know)
     • Static PIN or RSA key (additional security)
+    
+    \b
+    NEW in v3.0 - Embedding Modes:
+    • LSB mode (default): Full color output, higher capacity
+    • DCT mode: Grayscale output, ~20% capacity, better stealth
     """
     pass
 
@@ -200,8 +213,10 @@ def generate(pin, rsa, pin_length, rsa_bits, words, output, password, as_json):
 @click.option('--key-password', help='RSA key password (for encrypted .pem files)')
 @click.option('--output', '-o', type=click.Path(), help='Output file (default: auto-generated)')
 @click.option('--date', 'date_str', help='Date override (YYYY-MM-DD)')
+@click.option('--mode', 'embed_mode', type=click.Choice(['lsb', 'dct']), default='lsb',
+              help='Embedding mode: lsb (default, color) or dct (grayscale, requires scipy)')
 @click.option('--quiet', '-q', is_flag=True, help='Suppress output except errors')
-def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, date_str, quiet):
+def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, date_str, embed_mode, quiet):
     """
     Encode a secret message or file into an image.
     
@@ -212,20 +227,37 @@ def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key
     For binary files, use -e/--embed-file.
     RSA key can be provided as a .pem file (--key) or QR code image (--key-qr).
     
+    \b
+    Embedding Modes (v3.0):
+        --mode lsb   Spatial LSB embedding (default)
+                     • Full color output (PNG/BMP)
+                     • Higher capacity (~375 KB/megapixel)
+        
+        --mode dct   DCT domain embedding (requires scipy)
+                     • Grayscale output only
+                     • Lower capacity (~75 KB/megapixel)
+                     • Better resistance to visual analysis
+    
     \b
     Examples:
-        # Text message with PIN
+        # Text message with PIN (LSB mode, default)
         stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "apple forest thunder" --pin 123456 -m "secret"
         
+        # DCT mode for better stealth
+        stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "words" --pin 123456 -m "secret" --mode dct
+        
         # With RSA key file
         stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "words" -k mykey.pem -m "secret"
         
-        # With RSA key from QR code image
-        stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "words" --key-qr keyqr.png -m "secret"
-        
         # Embed a binary file
         stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "words" --pin 123456 -e secret.pdf
     """
+    # Check DCT mode availability
+    if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+        raise click.ClickException(
+            "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
+    
     # Determine what to encode
     payload = None
     
@@ -277,16 +309,28 @@ def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key
         ref_photo = Path(ref).read_bytes()
         carrier_image = Path(carrier).read_bytes()
         
-        # Pre-check capacity
+        # Pre-check capacity with selected mode
-        fit_check = will_fit(payload, carrier_image)
+        fit_check = will_fit_by_mode(payload, carrier_image, embed_mode=embed_mode)
         if not fit_check['fits']:
+            # Suggest alternative mode if it would fit
+            alt_mode = 'lsb' if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'dct'
+            alt_check = will_fit_by_mode(payload, carrier_image, embed_mode=alt_mode)
+            
+            suggestion = ""
+            if alt_mode == 'lsb' and alt_check['fits']:
+                suggestion = f"\n  Tip: Payload would fit in LSB mode (--mode lsb)"
+            
             raise click.ClickException(
-                f"Payload too large for carrier image.\n"
+                f"Payload too large for {embed_mode.upper()} mode.\n"
                 f"  Payload: {fit_check['payload_size']:,} bytes\n"
                 f"  Capacity: {fit_check['capacity']:,} bytes\n"
                 f"  Shortfall: {-fit_check['headroom']:,} bytes"
+                f"{suggestion}"
             )
         
+        if not quiet:
+            click.echo(f"Mode: {embed_mode.upper()} ({fit_check['usage_percent']:.1f}% capacity)")
+        
         result = encode(
             message=payload,
             reference_photo=ref_photo,
@@ -296,6 +340,7 @@ def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
             rsa_password=effective_key_password,
             date_str=date_str,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         # Determine output path
@@ -313,6 +358,8 @@ def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key
             click.echo(f"  Size: {len(result.stego_image):,} bytes")
             click.echo(f"  Capacity used: {result.capacity_percent:.1f}%")
             click.echo(f"  Date: {result.date_used}")
+            if embed_mode == 'dct':
+                click.secho(f"  Note: Output is grayscale (DCT mode)", dim=True)
         
     except StegasooError as e:
         raise click.ClickException(str(e))
@@ -335,9 +382,11 @@ def encode_cmd(ref, carrier, message, message_file, embed_file, phrase, pin, key
 @click.option('--key-qr', type=click.Path(exists=True), help='RSA key from QR code image')
 @click.option('--key-password', help='RSA key password (for encrypted .pem files)')
 @click.option('--output', '-o', type=click.Path(), help='Save decoded content to file')
+@click.option('--mode', 'embed_mode', type=click.Choice(['auto', 'lsb', 'dct']), default='auto',
+              help='Extraction mode: auto (default), lsb, or dct')
 @click.option('--quiet', '-q', is_flag=True, help='Output only the content (for text) or suppress messages (for files)')
 @click.option('--force', is_flag=True, help='Overwrite existing output file')
-def decode_cmd(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, quiet, force):
+def decode_cmd(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, embed_mode, quiet, force):
     """
     Decode a secret message or file from a stego image.
     
@@ -345,20 +394,32 @@ def decode_cmd(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, quiet
     Automatically detects whether content is text or a file.
     RSA key can be provided as a .pem file (--key) or QR code image (--key-qr).
     
+    \b
+    Extraction Modes (v3.0):
+        --mode auto  Auto-detect (default) - tries LSB first, then DCT
+        --mode lsb   Only try LSB extraction
+        --mode dct   Only try DCT extraction (requires scipy)
+    
     \b
     Examples:
-        # Decode with PIN
+        # Decode with PIN (auto-detect mode)
         stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder" --pin 123456
         
+        # Explicitly specify DCT mode
+        stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" --pin 123456 --mode dct
+        
         # Decode with RSA key file
         stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" -k mykey.pem
         
-        # Decode with RSA key from QR code image
-        stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" --key-qr keyqr.png
-        
         # Save output to file
         stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" --pin 123456 -o output.txt
     """
+    # Check DCT mode availability
+    if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+        raise click.ClickException(
+            "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
+    
     # Load key if provided (from .pem file or QR code image)
     rsa_key_data = None
     rsa_key_from_qr = False
@@ -400,6 +461,7 @@ def decode_cmd(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, quiet
             pin=pin or "",
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
             rsa_password=effective_key_password,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         if result.is_file:
@@ -459,8 +521,10 @@ def decode_cmd(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, output, quiet
 @click.option('--key', '-k', type=click.Path(exists=True), help='RSA key file (.pem)')
 @click.option('--key-qr', type=click.Path(exists=True), help='RSA key from QR code image')
 @click.option('--key-password', help='RSA key password (for encrypted .pem files)')
+@click.option('--mode', 'embed_mode', type=click.Choice(['auto', 'lsb', 'dct']), default='auto',
+              help='Extraction mode: auto (default), lsb, or dct')
 @click.option('--json', 'as_json', is_flag=True, help='Output as JSON')
-def verify(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, as_json):
+def verify(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, embed_mode, as_json):
     """
     Verify that a stego image can be decoded without extracting the message.
     
@@ -472,7 +536,15 @@ def verify(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, as_json):
         stegasoo verify -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder" --pin 123456
         
         stegasoo verify -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" -k mykey.pem --json
+        
+        stegasoo verify -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "words" --pin 123456 --mode dct
     """
+    # Check DCT mode availability
+    if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+        raise click.ClickException(
+            "DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
+    
     # Load key if provided
     rsa_key_data = None
     rsa_key_from_qr = False
@@ -511,6 +583,7 @@ def verify(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, as_json):
             pin=pin or "",
             rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
             rsa_password=effective_key_password,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
         )
         
         # Calculate payload size
@@ -576,11 +649,13 @@ def verify(ref, stego, phrase, pin, key, key_qr, key_password, as_json):
 
 @cli.command()
 @click.argument('image', type=click.Path(exists=True))
-def info(image):
+@click.option('--json', 'as_json', is_flag=True, help='Output as JSON')
+def info(image, as_json):
     """
     Show information about an image.
     
-    Displays dimensions, capacity, and attempts to detect date from filename.
+    Displays dimensions, capacity for both LSB and DCT modes,
+    and attempts to detect date from filename.
     """
     try:
         image_data = Path(image).read_bytes()
@@ -589,21 +664,58 @@ def info(image):
         if not result.is_valid:
             raise click.ClickException(result.error_message)
         
-        capacity = calculate_capacity(image_data)
+        # Get capacity comparison
+        comparison = compare_modes(image_data)
         
         # Try to get date from filename
         date_str = parse_date_from_filename(image)
         day_name = get_day_from_date(date_str) if date_str else None
         
+        if as_json:
+            import json
+            output = {
+                "file": image,
+                "width": result.details['width'],
+                "height": result.details['height'],
+                "pixels": result.details['pixels'],
+                "mode": result.details['mode'],
+                "format": result.details['format'],
+                "capacity": {
+                    "lsb": {
+                        "bytes": comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                        "kb": round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                    },
+                    "dct": {
+                        "bytes": comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                        "kb": round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                        "available": comparison['dct']['available'],
+                        "ratio_vs_lsb": round(comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb'], 1),
+                    },
+                },
+            }
+            if date_str:
+                output["embed_date"] = date_str
+                output["embed_day"] = day_name
+            click.echo(json.dumps(output, indent=2))
+            return
+        
         click.echo()
         click.secho(f"Image: {image}", bold=True)
         click.echo(f"  Dimensions:  {result.details['width']} × {result.details['height']}")
         click.echo(f"  Pixels:      {result.details['pixels']:,}")
         click.echo(f"  Mode:        {result.details['mode']}")
         click.echo(f"  Format:      {result.details['format']}")
-        click.echo(f"  Capacity:    ~{capacity:,} bytes ({capacity // 1024} KB)")
+        click.echo()
+        
+        click.secho("  Capacity:", bold=True)
+        click.echo(f"    LSB mode:  ~{comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes']:,} bytes ({comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB)")
+        
+        dct_status = "✓" if comparison['dct']['available'] else "✗ (scipy not installed)"
+        click.echo(f"    DCT mode:  ~{comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes']:,} bytes ({comparison['dct']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB) {dct_status}")
+        click.echo(f"    DCT ratio: {comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb']:.1f}% of LSB")
         
         if date_str:
+            click.echo()
             click.echo(f"  Embed date:  {date_str} ({day_name})")
         
         click.echo()
@@ -612,6 +724,127 @@ def info(image):
         raise click.ClickException(str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# COMPARE COMMAND (NEW in v3.0)
+# ============================================================================
+
+@cli.command()
+@click.argument('image', type=click.Path(exists=True))
+@click.option('--payload-size', '-s', type=int, help='Check if specific payload size fits')
+@click.option('--json', 'as_json', is_flag=True, help='Output as JSON')
+def compare(image, payload_size, as_json):
+    """
+    Compare LSB and DCT embedding modes for an image.
+    
+    Shows capacity for each mode and recommends which to use.
+    Optionally checks if a specific payload size would fit.
+    
+    \b
+    Examples:
+        stegasoo compare carrier.png
+        stegasoo compare carrier.png --payload-size 50000
+        stegasoo compare carrier.png --json
+    """
+    try:
+        image_data = Path(image).read_bytes()
+        
+        comparison = compare_modes(image_data)
+        
+        if as_json:
+            import json
+            output = {
+                "file": image,
+                "width": comparison['width'],
+                "height": comparison['height'],
+                "modes": {
+                    "lsb": {
+                        "capacity_bytes": comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                        "capacity_kb": round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                        "available": True,
+                        "output_format": comparison['lsb']['output'],
+                    },
+                    "dct": {
+                        "capacity_bytes": comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                        "capacity_kb": round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                        "available": comparison['dct']['available'],
+                        "output_format": comparison['dct']['output'],
+                        "ratio_vs_lsb_percent": round(comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb'], 1),
+                    },
+                },
+            }
+            
+            if payload_size:
+                output["payload_check"] = {
+                    "size_bytes": payload_size,
+                    "fits_lsb": payload_size <= comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                    "fits_dct": payload_size <= comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                }
+            
+            click.echo(json.dumps(output, indent=2))
+            return
+        
+        click.echo()
+        click.secho(f"═══ Mode Comparison: {image} ═══", fg='cyan', bold=True)
+        click.echo(f"  Dimensions: {comparison['width']} × {comparison['height']}")
+        click.echo()
+        
+        # LSB mode
+        click.secho("  ┌─── LSB Mode ───", fg='green')
+        click.echo(f"  │ Capacity:  {comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes']:,} bytes ({comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB)")
+        click.echo(f"  │ Output:    {comparison['lsb']['output']}")
+        click.echo(f"  │ Status:    ✓ Available")
+        click.echo("  │")
+        
+        # DCT mode
+        click.secho("  ├─── DCT Mode ───", fg='blue')
+        click.echo(f"  │ Capacity:  {comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes']:,} bytes ({comparison['dct']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB)")
+        click.echo(f"  │ Output:    {comparison['dct']['output']}")
+        click.echo(f"  │ Ratio:     {comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb']:.1f}% of LSB capacity")
+        if comparison['dct']['available']:
+            click.echo(f"  │ Status:    ✓ Available")
+        else:
+            click.secho(f"  │ Status:    ✗ Requires scipy (pip install scipy)", fg='yellow')
+        click.echo("  │")
+        
+        # Payload check
+        if payload_size:
+            click.secho("  ├─── Payload Check ───", fg='magenta')
+            click.echo(f"  │ Size:      {payload_size:,} bytes")
+            
+            fits_lsb = payload_size <= comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes']
+            fits_dct = payload_size <= comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes']
+            
+            lsb_icon = "✓" if fits_lsb else "✗"
+            dct_icon = "✓" if fits_dct else "✗"
+            lsb_color = 'green' if fits_lsb else 'red'
+            dct_color = 'green' if fits_dct else 'red'
+            
+            click.echo(f"  │ LSB mode:  ", nl=False)
+            click.secho(f"{lsb_icon} {'Fits' if fits_lsb else 'Too large'}", fg=lsb_color)
+            click.echo(f"  │ DCT mode:  ", nl=False)
+            click.secho(f"{dct_icon} {'Fits' if fits_dct else 'Too large'}", fg=dct_color)
+            click.echo("  │")
+        
+        # Recommendation
+        click.secho("  └─── Recommendation ───", fg='yellow')
+        if not comparison['dct']['available']:
+            click.echo("  Use LSB mode (DCT unavailable)")
+        elif payload_size:
+            if fits_dct:
+                click.echo("  DCT mode for better stealth (payload fits both modes)")
+            elif fits_lsb:
+                click.echo("  LSB mode (payload too large for DCT)")
+            else:
+                click.secho("  ✗ Payload too large for both modes!", fg='red')
+        else:
+            click.echo("  LSB for larger payloads, DCT for better stealth")
+        
+        click.echo()
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise click.ClickException(str(e))
+
+
 # ============================================================================
 # STRIP-METADATA COMMAND
 # ============================================================================
@@ -656,6 +889,48 @@ def strip_metadata_cmd(image, output, output_format, quiet):
         raise click.ClickException(str(e))
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# MODES COMMAND (NEW in v3.0)
+# ============================================================================
+
+@cli.command()
+def modes():
+    """
+    Show available embedding modes and their status.
+    
+    Displays which modes are available and their characteristics.
+    """
+    click.echo()
+    click.secho("═══ Stegasoo Embedding Modes ═══", fg='cyan', bold=True)
+    click.echo()
+    
+    # LSB Mode
+    click.secho("  LSB Mode (Spatial LSB)", fg='green', bold=True)
+    click.echo("    Status:      ✓ Always available")
+    click.echo("    Output:      PNG/BMP (full color)")
+    click.echo("    Capacity:    ~375 KB per megapixel")
+    click.echo("    Use case:    Larger payloads, color preservation")
+    click.echo("    CLI flag:    --mode lsb (default)")
+    click.echo()
+    
+    # DCT Mode
+    click.secho("  DCT Mode (Frequency Domain)", fg='blue', bold=True)
+    if has_dct_support():
+        click.echo("    Status:      ✓ Available")
+    else:
+        click.secho("    Status:      ✗ Requires scipy", fg='yellow')
+        click.echo("    Install:     pip install scipy")
+    click.echo("    Output:      PNG (grayscale only)")
+    click.echo("    Capacity:    ~75 KB per megapixel (~20% of LSB)")
+    click.echo("    Use case:    Better stealth, smaller messages")
+    click.echo("    CLI flag:    --mode dct")
+    click.echo()
+    
+    click.secho("  Tip:", dim=True)
+    click.echo("    Use 'stegasoo compare <image>' to see capacity for both modes")
+    click.echo()
+
+
 # ============================================================================
 # MAIN
 # ============================================================================

frontends/web/app.py

@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """
-Stegasoo Web Frontend
+Stegasoo Web Frontend (v3.0.1)
 
 Flask-based web UI for steganography operations.
 Supports both text messages and file embedding.
+NEW in v3.0: LSB and DCT embedding modes with advanced options.
+NEW in v3.0.1: DCT output format selection (PNG or JPEG).
 """
 
 import io
@@ -35,6 +37,13 @@ from stegasoo import (
     StegasooError, DecryptionError, CapacityError,
     has_argon2,
     FilePayload,
+    # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding modes
+    EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+    EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
+    has_dct_support,
+    compare_modes,
+    will_fit_by_mode,
 )
 from stegasoo.constants import (
     __version__,
@@ -102,6 +111,8 @@ def inject_globals():
         'temp_file_expiry_minutes': TEMP_FILE_EXPIRY_MINUTES,
         'min_pin_length': MIN_PIN_LENGTH,
         'max_pin_length': MAX_PIN_LENGTH,
+        # NEW in v3.0
+        'has_dct': has_dct_support(),
     }
 
 
@@ -114,6 +125,7 @@ try:
     # Check current limits
     print(f"Current MAX_FILE_SIZE from constants: {MAX_FILE_SIZE}")
     print(f"Current MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE: {MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE}")
+    print(f"DCT support available: {has_dct_support()}")
     
     DESIRED_PAYLOAD_SIZE = 2 * 1024 * 1024  # 2MB
     
@@ -131,7 +143,7 @@ def generate_thumbnail(image_data: bytes, size: tuple = THUMBNAIL_SIZE) -> bytes
     """Generate thumbnail from image data."""
     try:
         with Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data)) as img:
-            # Convert to RGB if necessary
+            # Convert to RGB if necessary (handle grayscale too)
             if img.mode in ('RGBA', 'LA', 'P'):
                 # Create white background for transparent images
                 background = Image.new('RGB', img.size, (255, 255, 255))
@@ -139,6 +151,9 @@ def generate_thumbnail(image_data: bytes, size: tuple = THUMBNAIL_SIZE) -> bytes
                     img = img.convert('RGBA')
                 background.paste(img, mask=img.split()[-1] if img.mode == 'RGBA' else None)
                 img = background
+            elif img.mode == 'L':
+                # Convert grayscale to RGB for thumbnail
+                img = img.convert('RGB')
             elif img.mode != 'RGB':
                 img = img.convert('RGB')
             
@@ -401,6 +416,85 @@ def extract_key_from_qr_route():
         }), 500
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# NEW in v3.0 - CAPACITY COMPARISON API
+# ============================================================================
+
+@app.route('/api/compare-capacity', methods=['POST'])
+def api_compare_capacity():
+    """
+    Compare LSB and DCT capacity for an uploaded carrier image.
+    Returns JSON with capacity info for both modes.
+    """
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    if not carrier:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'No carrier image provided'}), 400
+    
+    try:
+        carrier_data = carrier.read()
+        comparison = compare_modes(carrier_data)
+        
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'width': comparison['width'],
+            'height': comparison['height'],
+            'lsb': {
+                'capacity_bytes': comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
+                'capacity_kb': round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                'output': comparison['lsb']['output'],
+            },
+            'dct': {
+                'capacity_bytes': comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
+                'capacity_kb': round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                'output': comparison['dct']['output'],
+                'available': comparison['dct']['available'],
+                'ratio': round(comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb'], 1),
+            }
+        })
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({'error': str(e)}), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/api/check-fit', methods=['POST'])
+def api_check_fit():
+    """
+    Check if a payload will fit in the carrier with selected mode.
+    Returns JSON with fit status and details.
+    """
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    payload_size = request.form.get('payload_size', type=int)
+    embed_mode = request.form.get('embed_mode', 'lsb')
+    
+    if not carrier or payload_size is None:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'Missing carrier or payload_size'}), 400
+    
+    if embed_mode not in ('lsb', 'dct'):
+        return jsonify({'error': 'Invalid embed_mode'}), 400
+    
+    if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+        return jsonify({'error': 'DCT mode requires scipy'}), 400
+    
+    try:
+        carrier_data = carrier.read()
+        result = will_fit_by_mode(payload_size, carrier_data, embed_mode=embed_mode)
+        
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'fits': result['fits'],
+            'payload_size': result['payload_size'],
+            'capacity': result['capacity'],
+            'usage_percent': round(result['usage_percent'], 1),
+            'headroom': result['headroom'],
+            'mode': embed_mode,
+        })
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({'error': str(e)}), 500
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# ENCODE
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.route('/encode', methods=['GET', 'POST'])
 def encode_page():
     day_of_week = get_today_day()
@@ -428,6 +522,21 @@ def encode_page():
             rsa_password = request.form.get('rsa_password', '')
             payload_type = request.form.get('payload_type', 'text')
             
+            # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding mode
+            embed_mode = request.form.get('embed_mode', 'lsb')
+            if embed_mode not in ('lsb', 'dct'):
+                embed_mode = 'lsb'
+            
+            # NEW in v3.0.1 - DCT output format
+            dct_output_format = request.form.get('dct_output_format', 'png')
+            if dct_output_format not in ('png', 'jpeg'):
+                dct_output_format = 'png'
+            
+            # Check DCT availability
+            if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+                flash('DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy', 'error')
+                return render_template('encode.html', day_of_week=day_of_week, has_qrcode_read=HAS_QRCODE_READ)
+            
             # Determine payload
             if payload_type == 'file' and payload_file and payload_file.filename:
                 # File payload
@@ -515,7 +624,7 @@ def encode_page():
             else:
                 date_str = datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d')
             
-            # Encode
+            # Encode with selected mode and output format
             encode_result = encode(
                 message=payload,
                 reference_photo=ref_data,
@@ -524,16 +633,34 @@ def encode_page():
                 pin=pin,
                 rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
                 rsa_password=key_password,
-                date_str=date_str
+                date_str=date_str,
+                embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
+                dct_output_format=dct_output_format if embed_mode == 'dct' else None,  # NEW in v3.0.1
             )
             
+            # Determine actual output format for filename and storage
+            if embed_mode == 'dct' and dct_output_format == 'jpeg':
+                output_ext = '.jpg'
+                output_mime = 'image/jpeg'
+                # Modify filename extension if needed
+                filename = encode_result.filename
+                if filename.endswith('.png'):
+                    filename = filename[:-4] + '.jpg'
+            else:
+                output_ext = '.png'
+                output_mime = 'image/png'
+                filename = encode_result.filename
+            
             # Store temporarily
             file_id = secrets.token_urlsafe(16)
             cleanup_temp_files()
             TEMP_FILES[file_id] = {
                 'data': encode_result.stego_image,
-                'filename': encode_result.filename,
+                'filename': filename,
-                'timestamp': time.time()
+                'timestamp': time.time(),
+                'embed_mode': embed_mode,
+                'output_format': dct_output_format if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'png',
+                'mime_type': output_mime,
             }
             
             return redirect(url_for('encode_result', file_id=file_id))
@@ -570,7 +697,9 @@ def encode_result(file_id):
     return render_template('encode_result.html',
         file_id=file_id,
         filename=file_info['filename'],
-        thumbnail_url=url_for('encode_thumbnail', thumb_id=thumbnail_id) if thumbnail_id else None
+        thumbnail_url=url_for('encode_thumbnail', thumb_id=thumbnail_id) if thumbnail_id else None,
+        embed_mode=file_info.get('embed_mode', 'lsb'),
+        output_format=file_info.get('output_format', 'png'),  # NEW in v3.0.1
     )
 
 
@@ -594,9 +723,11 @@ def encode_download(file_id):
         return redirect(url_for('encode_page'))
     
     file_info = TEMP_FILES[file_id]
+    mime_type = file_info.get('mime_type', 'image/png')
+    
     return send_file(
         io.BytesIO(file_info['data']),
-        mimetype='image/png',
+        mimetype=mime_type,
         as_attachment=True,
         download_name=file_info['filename']
     )
@@ -609,9 +740,11 @@ def encode_file_route(file_id):
         return "Not found", 404
     
     file_info = TEMP_FILES[file_id]
+    mime_type = file_info.get('mime_type', 'image/png')
+    
     return send_file(
         io.BytesIO(file_info['data']),
-        mimetype='image/png',
+        mimetype=mime_type,
         as_attachment=False,
         download_name=file_info['filename']
     )
@@ -629,6 +762,10 @@ def encode_cleanup(file_id):
     return jsonify({'status': 'ok'})
 
 
+# ============================================================================
+# DECODE
+# ============================================================================
+
 @app.route('/decode', methods=['GET', 'POST'])
 def decode_page():
     if request.method == 'POST':
@@ -647,6 +784,16 @@ def decode_page():
             pin = request.form.get('pin', '').strip()
             rsa_password = request.form.get('rsa_password', '')
             
+            # NEW in v3.0 - Extraction mode
+            embed_mode = request.form.get('embed_mode', 'auto')
+            if embed_mode not in ('auto', 'lsb', 'dct'):
+                embed_mode = 'auto'
+            
+            # Check DCT availability
+            if embed_mode == 'dct' and not has_dct_support():
+                flash('DCT mode requires scipy. Install with: pip install scipy', 'error')
+                return render_template('decode.html', has_qrcode_read=HAS_QRCODE_READ)
+            
             # Get encoding date from form (detected from filename in JS)
             stego_date = request.form.get('stego_date', '').strip()
             
@@ -700,7 +847,7 @@ def decode_page():
                     flash(result.error_message, 'error')
                     return render_template('decode.html', has_qrcode_read=HAS_QRCODE_READ)
             
-            # Decode
+            # Decode with selected mode
             decode_result = decode(
                 stego_image=stego_data,
                 reference_photo=ref_data,
@@ -708,7 +855,8 @@ def decode_page():
                 pin=pin,
                 rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
                 rsa_password=key_password,
-                date_str=stego_date if stego_date else None
+                date_str=stego_date if stego_date else None,
+                embed_mode=embed_mode,  # NEW in v3.0
             )
             
             if decode_result.is_file:

frontends/web/templates/decode.html

@@ -181,6 +181,78 @@
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     
+                    <!-- ================================================================
+                         ADVANCED OPTIONS (v3.0) - Extraction Mode
+                         ================================================================ -->
+                    <div class="mb-4">
+                        <a class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary w-100" data-bs-toggle="collapse" href="#advancedOptionsDec" role="button" aria-expanded="false">
+                            <i class="bi bi-gear me-1"></i> Advanced Options
+                            <i class="bi bi-chevron-down ms-1" id="advancedChevronDec"></i>
+                        </a>
+                        
+                        <div class="collapse" id="advancedOptionsDec">
+                            <div class="card card-body mt-2 bg-dark border-secondary">
+                                
+                                <!-- Extraction Mode Selection -->
+                                <div class="mb-0">
+                                    <label class="form-label">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-cpu me-1"></i> Extraction Mode
+                                        <span class="badge bg-info ms-1">v3.0</span>
+                                    </label>
+                                    
+                                    <div class="row g-2">
+                                        <!-- Auto Mode -->
+                                        <div class="col-4">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-2 text-center h-100" id="autoModeCard">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input mx-auto" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeAuto" value="auto" checked>
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="modeAuto">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-magic text-success fs-4 d-block mb-1"></i>
+                                                    <strong>Auto</strong>
+                                                    <div class="small text-muted">Try both</div>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        
+                                        <!-- LSB Mode -->
+                                        <div class="col-4">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-2 text-center h-100" id="lsbModeCardDec">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input mx-auto" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsbDec" value="lsb">
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="modeLsbDec">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap text-primary fs-4 d-block mb-1"></i>
+                                                    <strong>LSB</strong>
+                                                    <div class="small text-muted">Spatial only</div>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        
+                                        <!-- DCT Mode -->
+                                        <div class="col-4">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-2 text-center h-100 {% if not has_dct %}opacity-50{% endif %}" id="dctModeCardDec">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input mx-auto" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeDctDec" value="dct" {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="modeDctDec">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-info fs-4 d-block mb-1"></i>
+                                                    <strong>DCT</strong>
+                                                    <div class="small text-muted">
+                                                        {% if has_dct %}Frequency only{% else %}N/A{% endif %}
+                                                    </div>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                    </div>
+                                    
+                                    <div class="form-text mt-2">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-lightbulb me-1"></i>
+                                        <strong>Auto</strong> tries LSB first, then DCT. Use specific mode if you know how it was encoded.
+                                        {% if not has_dct %}
+                                        <br><span class="text-warning"><i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>DCT requires scipy: <code>pip install scipy</code></span>
+                                        {% endif %}
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    
                     <button type="submit" class="btn btn-primary btn-lg w-100" id="decodeBtn">
                         <i class="bi bi-unlock me-2"></i>Decode
                     </button>
@@ -211,10 +283,14 @@
                         <i class="bi bi-dot"></i>
                         Ensure the stego image hasn't been <strong>resized or recompressed</strong>
                     </li>
-                    <li class="mb-0">
+                    <li class="mb-2">
                         <i class="bi bi-dot"></i>
                         If using an RSA key, make sure the <strong>password is correct</strong>
                     </li>
+                    <li class="mb-0">
+                        <i class="bi bi-dot"></i>
+                        <strong>v3.0:</strong> If auto-detection fails, try specifying <strong>LSB or DCT mode</strong> in Advanced Options
+                    </li>
                 </ul>
             </div>
         </div>
@@ -228,7 +304,8 @@
 // Form submit loading state
 document.getElementById('decodeForm')?.addEventListener('submit', function() {
     const btn = document.getElementById('decodeBtn');
-    btn.innerHTML = '<span class="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2"></span>Decoding...';
+    const selectedMode = document.querySelector('input[name="embed_mode"]:checked')?.value || 'auto';
+    btn.innerHTML = `<span class="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2"></span>Decoding (${selectedMode.toUpperCase()})...`;
     btn.disabled = true;
 });
 
@@ -323,6 +400,38 @@ document.getElementById('togglePin')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
     }
 });
 
+// Mode card highlighting
+const autoModeCard = document.getElementById('autoModeCard');
+const lsbModeCardDec = document.getElementById('lsbModeCardDec');
+const dctModeCardDec = document.getElementById('dctModeCardDec');
+const modeAuto = document.getElementById('modeAuto');
+const modeLsbDec = document.getElementById('modeLsbDec');
+const modeDctDec = document.getElementById('modeDctDec');
+
+function updateModeCardHighlightDec() {
+    autoModeCard?.classList.toggle('border-success', modeAuto?.checked);
+    autoModeCard?.classList.toggle('border-2', modeAuto?.checked);
+    lsbModeCardDec?.classList.toggle('border-primary', modeLsbDec?.checked);
+    lsbModeCardDec?.classList.toggle('border-2', modeLsbDec?.checked);
+    dctModeCardDec?.classList.toggle('border-info', modeDctDec?.checked);
+    dctModeCardDec?.classList.toggle('border-2', modeDctDec?.checked);
+}
+
+modeAuto?.addEventListener('change', updateModeCardHighlightDec);
+modeLsbDec?.addEventListener('change', updateModeCardHighlightDec);
+modeDctDec?.addEventListener('change', updateModeCardHighlightDec);
+updateModeCardHighlightDec(); // Initial state
+
+// Advanced options chevron rotation
+document.getElementById('advancedOptionsDec')?.addEventListener('show.bs.collapse', function() {
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevronDec').classList.add('bi-chevron-up');
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevronDec').classList.remove('bi-chevron-down');
+});
+document.getElementById('advancedOptionsDec')?.addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', function() {
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevronDec').classList.remove('bi-chevron-up');
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevronDec').classList.add('bi-chevron-down');
+});
+
 // Paste from Clipboard
 document.addEventListener('paste', function(e) {
     if (!document.getElementById('decodeForm')) return;

frontends/web/templates/encode.html

@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
                                 <i class="bi bi-file-image me-1"></i> Carrier Image
                             </label>
                             <div class="drop-zone" id="carrierDropZone">
-                                <input type="file" name="carrier" accept="image/*" required>
+                                <input type="file" name="carrier" accept="image/*" required id="carrierInput">
                                 <div class="drop-zone-label">
                                     <i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
                                     <span class="text-muted">Drop image or click to browse</span>
@@ -49,6 +49,20 @@
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     
+                    <!-- Capacity Info Panel (shown when carrier loaded) -->
+                    <div class="alert alert-info small d-none" id="capacityPanel">
+                        <div class="row align-items-center">
+                            <div class="col">
+                                <i class="bi bi-rulers me-1"></i>
+                                <strong>Carrier:</strong> <span id="carrierDimensions">-</span>
+                            </div>
+                            <div class="col-auto">
+                                <span class="badge bg-primary me-1" id="lsbCapacityBadge">LSB: -</span>
+                                <span class="badge bg-secondary" id="dctCapacityBadge">DCT: -</span>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    
                     <!-- Payload Type Selector -->
                     <div class="mb-3">
                         <label class="form-label">
@@ -179,6 +193,141 @@
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     
+                    <!-- ================================================================
+                         ADVANCED OPTIONS (v3.0) - Collapsible Section
+                         ================================================================ -->
+                    <div class="mb-4">
+                        <a class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary w-100" data-bs-toggle="collapse" href="#advancedOptions" role="button" aria-expanded="false">
+                            <i class="bi bi-gear me-1"></i> Advanced Options
+                            <i class="bi bi-chevron-down ms-1" id="advancedChevron"></i>
+                        </a>
+                        
+                        <div class="collapse" id="advancedOptions">
+                            <div class="card card-body mt-2 bg-dark border-secondary">
+                                
+                                <!-- Embedding Mode Selection -->
+                                <div class="mb-3">
+                                    <label class="form-label">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-cpu me-1"></i> Embedding Mode
+                                        <span class="badge bg-info ms-1">v3.0</span>
+                                    </label>
+                                    
+                                    <div class="row g-2">
+                                        <!-- LSB Mode Card -->
+                                        <div class="col-md-6">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-3 h-100 border-primary border-2" id="lsbModeCard">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsb" value="lsb" checked>
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="modeLsb">
+                                                    <div class="d-flex align-items-center mb-2">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap text-primary fs-4 me-2"></i>
+                                                        <strong>LSB Mode</strong>
+                                                        <span class="badge bg-success ms-auto">Default</span>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <ul class="small text-muted mb-0 ps-3">
+                                                        <li>Full color PNG output</li>
+                                                        <li>Higher capacity (~375 KB/MP)</li>
+                                                        <li>Faster processing</li>
+                                                    </ul>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        
+                                        <!-- DCT Mode Card -->
+                                        <div class="col-md-6">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-3 h-100 {% if not has_dct %}opacity-50{% endif %}" id="dctModeCard">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeDct" value="dct" {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="modeDct">
+                                                    <div class="d-flex align-items-center mb-2">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-info fs-4 me-2"></i>
+                                                        <strong>DCT Mode</strong>
+                                                        {% if has_dct %}
+                                                        <span class="badge bg-info ms-auto">Stealth</span>
+                                                        {% else %}
+                                                        <span class="badge bg-secondary ms-auto">Unavailable</span>
+                                                        {% endif %}
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <ul class="small text-muted mb-0 ps-3">
+                                                        <li>Grayscale output (PNG/JPEG)</li>
+                                                        <li>Lower capacity (~75 KB/MP)</li>
+                                                        <li>Better detection resistance</li>
+                                                    </ul>
+                                                    {% if not has_dct %}
+                                                    <div class="alert alert-warning small mt-2 mb-0 py-1 px-2">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>
+                                                        Requires scipy: <code>pip install scipy</code>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    {% endif %}
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                    </div>
+                                    
+                                    <!-- Mode comparison hint -->
+                                    <div class="form-text mt-2" id="modeHint">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-lightbulb me-1"></i>
+                                        <strong>LSB</strong> is best for most uses. 
+                                        <strong>DCT</strong> provides better stealth but smaller capacity and grayscale output.
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                
+                                <!-- DCT Output Format (shown only when DCT selected) -->
+                                <div class="mb-3 d-none" id="dctOutputFormatGroup">
+                                    <label class="form-label">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-file-image me-1"></i> DCT Output Format
+                                    </label>
+                                    
+                                    <div class="row g-2">
+                                        <div class="col-6">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-2 text-center" id="dctPngCard">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input mx-auto" type="radio" name="dct_output_format" id="dctFormatPng" value="png" checked>
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="dctFormatPng">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image text-success fs-5 d-block"></i>
+                                                    <strong>PNG</strong>
+                                                    <div class="small text-muted">Lossless, larger</div>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        <div class="col-6">
+                                            <div class="form-check card p-2 text-center" id="dctJpegCard">
+                                                <input class="form-check-input mx-auto" type="radio" name="dct_output_format" id="dctFormatJpeg" value="jpeg">
+                                                <label class="form-check-label w-100" for="dctFormatJpeg">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-richtext text-warning fs-5 d-block"></i>
+                                                    <strong>JPEG</strong>
+                                                    <div class="small text-muted">Smaller, natural</div>
+                                                </label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                    </div>
+                                    
+                                    <div class="form-text mt-2">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-info-circle me-1"></i>
+                                        <strong>PNG</strong> is 100% reliable. <strong>JPEG</strong> produces smaller, more natural-looking files but uses lossy compression (Q=95).
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                
+                                <!-- Capacity Comparison (populated by JS) -->
+                                <div class="d-none" id="modeCapacityComparison">
+                                    <div class="alert alert-secondary small mb-0">
+                                        <div class="row text-center">
+                                            <div class="col-6 border-end">
+                                                <div class="text-muted">LSB Capacity</div>
+                                                <div class="fs-5 text-primary" id="lsbCapacityDetail">-</div>
+                                            </div>
+                                            <div class="col-6">
+                                                <div class="text-muted">DCT Capacity</div>
+                                                <div class="fs-5 text-info" id="dctCapacityDetail">-</div>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        <div class="text-center mt-2 small text-muted" id="capacityRatio">
+                                            DCT is ~20% of LSB capacity
+                                        </div>
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    
                     <button type="submit" class="btn btn-primary btn-lg w-100" id="encodeBtn">
                         <i class="bi bi-lock me-2"></i>Encode
                     </button>
@@ -317,7 +466,15 @@ if (rsaKeyQrInput) {
 // Form submit loading state
 document.getElementById('encodeForm').addEventListener('submit', function(e) {
     const btn = document.getElementById('encodeBtn');
-    btn.innerHTML = '<span class="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2"></span>Encoding...';
+    const selectedMode = document.querySelector('input[name="embed_mode"]:checked').value;
+    let modeLabel = selectedMode.toUpperCase();
+    
+    if (selectedMode === 'dct') {
+        const outputFormat = document.querySelector('input[name="dct_output_format"]:checked')?.value || 'png';
+        modeLabel += ` → ${outputFormat.toUpperCase()}`;
+    }
+    
+    btn.innerHTML = `<span class="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2"></span>Encoding (${modeLabel})...`;
     btn.disabled = true;
 });
 
@@ -338,12 +495,147 @@ messageInput.addEventListener('input', function() {
     charCount.classList.toggle('text-danger', len > maxChars * 0.95);
 });
 
+// ============================================================================
+// v3.0 - Capacity Comparison API
+// ============================================================================
+
+const carrierInput = document.getElementById('carrierInput');
+const capacityPanel = document.getElementById('capacityPanel');
+const carrierDimensions = document.getElementById('carrierDimensions');
+const lsbCapacityBadge = document.getElementById('lsbCapacityBadge');
+const dctCapacityBadge = document.getElementById('dctCapacityBadge');
+const lsbCapacityDetail = document.getElementById('lsbCapacityDetail');
+const dctCapacityDetail = document.getElementById('dctCapacityDetail');
+const modeCapacityComparison = document.getElementById('modeCapacityComparison');
+const capacityRatio = document.getElementById('capacityRatio');
+
+let currentCapacity = null;
+
+async function fetchCapacityComparison(file) {
+    const formData = new FormData();
+    formData.append('carrier', file);
+    
+    try {
+        const response = await fetch('/api/compare-capacity', {
+            method: 'POST',
+            body: formData
+        });
+        
+        if (response.ok) {
+            const data = await response.json();
+            if (data.success) {
+                currentCapacity = data;
+                updateCapacityDisplay(data);
+            }
+        }
+    } catch (err) {
+        console.error('Capacity comparison failed:', err);
+    }
+}
+
+function updateCapacityDisplay(data) {
+    // Update top panel
+    carrierDimensions.textContent = `${data.width} × ${data.height}`;
+    lsbCapacityBadge.textContent = `LSB: ${data.lsb.capacity_kb} KB`;
+    
+    if (data.dct.available) {
+        dctCapacityBadge.textContent = `DCT: ${data.dct.capacity_kb} KB`;
+        dctCapacityBadge.classList.remove('bg-secondary');
+        dctCapacityBadge.classList.add('bg-info');
+    } else {
+        dctCapacityBadge.textContent = `DCT: N/A`;
+        dctCapacityBadge.classList.remove('bg-info');
+        dctCapacityBadge.classList.add('bg-secondary');
+    }
+    
+    capacityPanel.classList.remove('d-none');
+    
+    // Update advanced options panel
+    lsbCapacityDetail.textContent = `${data.lsb.capacity_kb} KB`;
+    dctCapacityDetail.textContent = data.dct.available ? `${data.dct.capacity_kb} KB` : 'N/A';
+    capacityRatio.textContent = data.dct.available 
+        ? `DCT is ${data.dct.ratio}% of LSB capacity` 
+        : 'DCT mode not available';
+    modeCapacityComparison.classList.remove('d-none');
+}
+
+// Listen for carrier file selection
+if (carrierInput) {
+    carrierInput.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
+            fetchCapacityComparison(this.files[0]);
+        } else {
+            capacityPanel.classList.add('d-none');
+            modeCapacityComparison.classList.add('d-none');
+            currentCapacity = null;
+        }
+    });
+}
+
+// ============================================================================
+// Mode card highlighting & DCT output format visibility
+// ============================================================================
+
+const lsbModeCard = document.getElementById('lsbModeCard');
+const dctModeCard = document.getElementById('dctModeCard');
+const modeLsb = document.getElementById('modeLsb');
+const modeDct = document.getElementById('modeDct');
+const dctOutputFormatGroup = document.getElementById('dctOutputFormatGroup');
+const dctPngCard = document.getElementById('dctPngCard');
+const dctJpegCard = document.getElementById('dctJpegCard');
+const dctFormatPng = document.getElementById('dctFormatPng');
+const dctFormatJpeg = document.getElementById('dctFormatJpeg');
+
+function updateModeCardHighlight() {
+    // Mode cards
+    lsbModeCard.classList.toggle('border-primary', modeLsb.checked);
+    lsbModeCard.classList.toggle('border-2', modeLsb.checked);
+    dctModeCard.classList.toggle('border-info', modeDct.checked);
+    dctModeCard.classList.toggle('border-2', modeDct.checked);
+    
+    // Show/hide DCT output format selector
+    if (dctOutputFormatGroup) {
+        dctOutputFormatGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', !modeDct.checked);
+    }
+}
+
+function updateDctFormatCardHighlight() {
+    if (dctPngCard && dctJpegCard) {
+        dctPngCard.classList.toggle('border-success', dctFormatPng.checked);
+        dctPngCard.classList.toggle('border-2', dctFormatPng.checked);
+        dctJpegCard.classList.toggle('border-warning', dctFormatJpeg.checked);
+        dctJpegCard.classList.toggle('border-2', dctFormatJpeg.checked);
+    }
+}
+
+modeLsb.addEventListener('change', updateModeCardHighlight);
+modeDct.addEventListener('change', updateModeCardHighlight);
+dctFormatPng?.addEventListener('change', updateDctFormatCardHighlight);
+dctFormatJpeg?.addEventListener('change', updateDctFormatCardHighlight);
+
+updateModeCardHighlight(); // Initial state
+updateDctFormatCardHighlight(); // Initial state
+
+// Advanced options chevron rotation
+document.getElementById('advancedOptions').addEventListener('show.bs.collapse', function() {
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevron').classList.add('bi-chevron-up');
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevron').classList.remove('bi-chevron-down');
+});
+document.getElementById('advancedOptions').addEventListener('hide.bs.collapse', function() {
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevron').classList.remove('bi-chevron-up');
+    document.getElementById('advancedChevron').classList.add('bi-chevron-down');
+});
+
+// ============================================================================
 // Drag & drop with preview for images
+// ============================================================================
+
 document.querySelectorAll('.drop-zone').forEach(zone => {
     const input = zone.querySelector('input[type="file"]');
     const label = zone.querySelector('.drop-zone-label');
     const preview = zone.querySelector('.drop-zone-preview');
     const isPayloadZone = zone.id === 'payloadDropZone';
+    const isCarrierZone = zone.id === 'carrierDropZone';
     
     ['dragenter', 'dragover'].forEach(evt => {
         zone.addEventListener(evt, e => {
@@ -367,6 +659,11 @@ document.querySelectorAll('.drop-zone').forEach(zone => {
             if (!isPayloadZone) {
                 showPreview(e.dataTransfer.files[0]);
             }
+            
+            // Trigger capacity check for carrier
+            if (isCarrierZone && e.dataTransfer.files[0]) {
+                fetchCapacityComparison(e.dataTransfer.files[0]);
+            }
         }
     });
     
@@ -420,6 +717,7 @@ function checkDuplicateFiles() {
             document.querySelector('#carrierDropZone .drop-zone-label').innerHTML = 
                 '<i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>' +
                 '<span class="text-muted">Drop image or click to browse</span>';
+            capacityPanel.classList.add('d-none');
         }
     }
 }
@@ -443,6 +741,11 @@ document.addEventListener('paste', function(e) {
             targetInput.files = container.files;
             
             targetInput.dispatchEvent(new Event('change'));
+            
+            // Trigger capacity check if pasted to carrier
+            if (targetInput === carrierInput) {
+                fetchCapacityComparison(blob);
+            }
             break;
         }
     }

frontends/web/templates/encode_result.html

@@ -34,6 +34,34 @@
                     <code class="fs-5">{{ filename }}</code>
                 </div>
                 
+                <!-- Mode and format badges (v3.0) -->
+                <div class="mb-4">
+                    {% if embed_mode == 'dct' %}
+                        <span class="badge bg-info fs-6">
+                            <i class="bi bi-soundwave me-1"></i>DCT Mode
+                        </span>
+                        {% if output_format == 'jpeg' %}
+                        <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark fs-6 ms-1">
+                            <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-richtext me-1"></i>JPEG
+                        </span>
+                        <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Grayscale JPEG, frequency domain embedding (Q=95)</div>
+                        {% else %}
+                        <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-1">
+                            <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image me-1"></i>PNG
+                        </span>
+                        <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Grayscale PNG, frequency domain embedding (lossless)</div>
+                        {% endif %}
+                    {% else %}
+                        <span class="badge bg-primary fs-6">
+                            <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB Mode
+                        </span>
+                        <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-1">
+                            <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image me-1"></i>PNG
+                        </span>
+                        <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Full color PNG, spatial LSB embedding</div>
+                    {% endif %}
+                </div>
+                
                 <div class="d-grid gap-2">
                     <a href="{{ url_for('encode_download', file_id=file_id) }}" 
                        class="btn btn-primary btn-lg" id="downloadBtn">
@@ -53,7 +81,14 @@
                     <ul class="mb-0 mt-2">
                         <li>This file expires in <strong>5 minutes</strong></li>
                         <li>Do <strong>not</strong> resize or recompress the image</li>
+                        {% if embed_mode == 'dct' and output_format == 'jpeg' %}
+                        <li>JPEG format is lossy - avoid re-saving or editing</li>
+                        {% else %}
                         <li>PNG format preserves your hidden data</li>
+                        {% endif %}
+                        {% if embed_mode == 'dct' %}
+                        <li>Recipient needs <strong>DCT mode</strong> or <strong>Auto</strong> detection to decode</li>
+                        {% endif %}
                     </ul>
                 </div>
                 
@@ -72,13 +107,14 @@
 const shareBtn = document.getElementById('shareBtn');
 const fileUrl = "{{ url_for('encode_file_route', file_id=file_id, _external=True) }}";
 const fileName = "{{ filename }}";
+const mimeType = "{{ 'image/jpeg' if embed_mode == 'dct' and output_format == 'jpeg' else 'image/png' }}";
 
 if (navigator.share && navigator.canShare) {
     // Check if we can share files
     fetch(fileUrl)
         .then(response => response.blob())
         .then(blob => {
-            const file = new File([blob], fileName, { type: 'image/png' });
+            const file = new File([blob], fileName, { type: mimeType });
             if (navigator.canShare({ files: [file] })) {
                 shareBtn.style.display = 'block';
                 shareBtn.addEventListener('click', async () => {
@@ -106,4 +142,4 @@ document.getElementById('downloadBtn').addEventListener('click', function() {
     }, 2000);
 });
 </script>
-{% endblock %}
+{% endblock %}

src/stegasoo/__init__.py

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Stegasoo - Secure Steganography Library
+Stegasoo - Secure Steganography Library (v3.0.1)
 
 A Python library for hiding encrypted messages and files in images using
 hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication.
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ File Embedding:
     else:
         print(decoded.message)
 
-Capacity Pre-check (v2.2.1):
+Capacity Pre-check:
     from stegasoo import will_fit
     
     # Check if payload will fit before encoding
@@ -68,13 +68,52 @@ Capacity Pre-check (v2.2.1):
     else:
         print(f"Need {-result['headroom']} more bytes")
 
+NEW in v3.0 - DCT Embedding Mode:
+    from stegasoo import encode, has_dct_support, compare_modes
+    
+    # Check if DCT mode is available (requires scipy)
+    if has_dct_support():
+        # DCT mode: smaller capacity, grayscale output, frequency domain
+        result = encode(
+            message="Secret",
+            reference_photo=ref_photo,
+            carrier_image=carrier,
+            day_phrase="apple forest thunder",
+            pin="123456",
+            embed_mode='dct',  # NEW parameter
+        )
+    
+    # Compare mode capacities
+    info = compare_modes(carrier_image)
+    print(f"LSB capacity: {info['lsb']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB")
+    print(f"DCT capacity: {info['dct']['capacity_kb']:.1f} KB")
+
+NEW in v3.0.1 - DCT Output Format:
+    # DCT mode can output PNG (lossless) or JPEG (smaller, natural)
+    result = encode(
+        message="Secret",
+        ...,
+        embed_mode='dct',
+        dct_output_format='jpeg',  # 'png' (default) or 'jpeg'
+    )
+
 Debugging:
     from stegasoo.debug import debug
     debug.enable(True)  # Enable debug output
     debug.enable_performance(True)  # Enable timing
 """
 
-from .constants import __version__, DAY_NAMES, MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE, MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE
+from .constants import (
+    __version__,
+    DAY_NAMES,
+    MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE,
+    MAX_FILE_PAYLOAD_SIZE,
+    # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding modes
+    EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+    EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
+    detect_stego_mode,
+)
 from .models import (
     Credentials,
     EncodeInput,
@@ -152,8 +191,13 @@ from .steganography import (
     get_image_format,
     is_lossless_format,
     LOSSLESS_FORMATS,
-    # NEW in v2.2.1
     will_fit,
+    # NEW in v3.0
+    has_dct_support,
+    calculate_capacity_by_mode,
+    will_fit_by_mode,
+    get_available_modes,
+    compare_modes,
 )
 from .utils import (
     generate_filename,
@@ -164,7 +208,6 @@ from .utils import (
     secure_delete,
     SecureDeleter,
     format_file_size,
-    # NEW in v2.2.1
     strip_image_metadata,
 )
 from .debug import debug  # Import debug utilities
@@ -183,7 +226,7 @@ from .compression import (
 )
 
 # =============================================================================
-# NEW IN v2.2.0 - Batch Processing
+# Batch Processing
 # =============================================================================
 from .batch import (
     BatchProcessor,
@@ -191,10 +234,43 @@ from .batch import (
     BatchItem,
     BatchStatus,
     batch_capacity_check,
-    # NEW in v2.2.1
     BatchCredentials,
 )
 
+# =============================================================================
+# NEW in v3.0 - DCT Steganography (optional, requires scipy)
+# =============================================================================
+try:
+    from .dct_steganography import (
+        embed_in_dct,
+        extract_from_dct,
+        calculate_dct_capacity,
+        will_fit_dct,
+        estimate_capacity_comparison,
+        DCTEmbedStats,
+        DCTCapacityInfo,
+    )
+    HAS_DCT = True
+except ImportError:
+    HAS_DCT = False
+    # Provide stub functions that raise helpful errors
+    def embed_in_dct(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise ImportError("DCT mode requires scipy. Install: pip install scipy")
+    def extract_from_dct(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise ImportError("DCT mode requires scipy. Install: pip install scipy")
+    def calculate_dct_capacity(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise ImportError("DCT mode requires scipy. Install: pip install scipy")
+    def will_fit_dct(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise ImportError("DCT mode requires scipy. Install: pip install scipy")
+    def estimate_capacity_comparison(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise ImportError("DCT mode requires scipy. Install: pip install scipy")
+    
+    # Stub classes
+    class DCTEmbedStats:
+        pass
+    class DCTCapacityInfo:
+        pass
+
 # QR Code utilities (optional, depends on qrcode and pyzbar)
 try:
     from .qr_utils import (
@@ -223,16 +299,22 @@ from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Optional, Union, Dict, Any
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# ENCODE FUNCTION (v3.0.1 - with dct_output_format)
+# =============================================================================
+
 def encode(
-    message: Union[str, bytes, FilePayload],
+    message,  # Union[str, bytes, FilePayload]
     reference_photo: bytes,
     carrier_image: bytes,
     day_phrase: str,
     pin: str = "",
-    rsa_key_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
+    rsa_key_data = None,  # Optional[bytes]
-    rsa_password: Optional[str] = None,
+    rsa_password = None,  # Optional[str]
-    date_str: Optional[str] = None,
+    date_str = None,  # Optional[str]
-    output_format: Optional[str] = None,
+    output_format = None,  # Optional[str]
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    dct_output_format: str = "png",  # NEW in v3.0.1: 'png' or 'jpeg'
 ) -> EncodeResult:
     """
     Encode a secret message or file into an image.
@@ -249,8 +331,9 @@ def encode(
         rsa_key_data: RSA private key PEM bytes (optional if using PIN)
         rsa_password: Password for RSA key if encrypted
         date_str: Date string YYYY-MM-DD (defaults to today)
-        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP'). If None, preserves
+        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP') - LSB mode only
-                       carrier format for lossless types, defaults to PNG for lossy.
+        embed_mode: Embedding mode - 'lsb' (default) or 'dct' (v3.0+)
+        dct_output_format: For DCT mode - 'png' (lossless) or 'jpeg' (smaller)
         
     Returns:
         EncodeResult with stego image and metadata
@@ -260,14 +343,37 @@ def encode(
         SecurityFactorError: If no PIN or RSA key provided
         CapacityError: If carrier is too small
         EncryptionError: If encryption fails
+        ImportError: If DCT mode requested but scipy unavailable
         
-    Note:
+    Example:
-        Output format is always lossless (PNG or BMP) to preserve hidden data.
+        # Default LSB mode
-        If carrier is JPEG/GIF, output will be PNG to maintain data integrity.
+        >>> result = encode(message="Secret", ...)
+        
+        # DCT mode with PNG output (lossless)
+        >>> result = encode(message="Secret", ..., embed_mode='dct')
+        
+        # DCT mode with JPEG output (smaller, natural)
+        >>> result = encode(message="Secret", ..., embed_mode='dct', dct_output_format='jpeg')
     """
     # Debug logging
     debug.print(f"encode called: message type={type(message).__name__}, "
-                f"day_phrase='{day_phrase[:20]}...', pin_length={len(pin)}")
+                f"day_phrase='{day_phrase[:20]}...', pin_length={len(pin)}, "
+                f"embed_mode={embed_mode}, dct_output_format={dct_output_format}")
+    
+    # Validate embed_mode
+    if embed_mode not in (EMBED_MODE_LSB, EMBED_MODE_DCT):
+        raise ValidationError(f"Invalid embed_mode: {embed_mode}. Use 'lsb' or 'dct'")
+    
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT and not has_dct_support():
+        raise ImportError(
+            "DCT embedding mode requires scipy. "
+            "Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
+    
+    # Validate dct_output_format
+    if dct_output_format not in ('png', 'jpeg'):
+        debug.print(f"Invalid dct_output_format '{dct_output_format}', defaulting to 'png'")
+        dct_output_format = 'png'
     
     # Validate inputs
     require_valid_payload(message)
@@ -301,27 +407,54 @@ def encode(
     debug.data(pixel_key, "Pixel key")
     
     # Embed in image (returns extension too)
+    # CRITICAL: Pass dct_output_format to embed_in_image
     stego_data, stats, extension = embed_in_image(
-        carrier_image, encrypted, pixel_key, output_format=output_format
+        encrypted,
+        carrier_image,
+        pixel_key,
+        output_format=output_format,
+        embed_mode=embed_mode,
+        dct_output_format=dct_output_format,  # NEW in v3.0.1
     )
     
     # Generate filename with correct extension
     filename = generate_filename(date_str, extension=extension)
     
-    debug.print(f"Encoding complete: {filename}, "
+    # Handle stats from either LSB or DCT mode
-                f"modified {stats.pixels_modified}/{stats.total_pixels} pixels "
+    if hasattr(stats, 'pixels_modified'):
-                f"({stats.modification_percent:.2f}%)")
+        # LSB mode stats
-    
+        debug.print(f"Encoding complete: {filename}, "
-    return EncodeResult(
+                    f"modified {stats.pixels_modified}/{stats.total_pixels} pixels "
-        stego_image=stego_data,
+                    f"({stats.modification_percent:.2f}%)")
-        filename=filename,
+        
-        pixels_modified=stats.pixels_modified,
+        return EncodeResult(
-        total_pixels=stats.total_pixels,
+            stego_image=stego_data,
-        capacity_used=stats.capacity_used,
+            filename=filename,
-        date_used=date_str
+            pixels_modified=stats.pixels_modified,
-    )
+            total_pixels=stats.total_pixels,
+            capacity_used=stats.capacity_used,
+            date_used=date_str
+        )
+    else:
+        # DCT mode stats
+        debug.print(f"Encoding complete (DCT): {filename}, "
+                    f"embedded {stats.bits_embedded // 8} bytes "
+                    f"({stats.usage_percent:.2f}% capacity)")
+        
+        return EncodeResult(
+            stego_image=stego_data,
+            filename=filename,
+            pixels_modified=stats.blocks_used * 64,  # Approximate
+            total_pixels=stats.blocks_available * 64,
+            capacity_used=stats.usage_percent / 100.0,
+            date_used=date_str
+        )
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# ENCODE_FILE FUNCTION (v3.0.1 - with dct_output_format)
+# =============================================================================
+
 def encode_file(
     filepath: Union[str, Path],
     reference_photo: bytes,
@@ -333,6 +466,8 @@ def encode_file(
     date_str: Optional[str] = None,
     output_format: Optional[str] = None,
     filename_override: Optional[str] = None,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    dct_output_format: str = "png",  # NEW in v3.0.1
 ) -> EncodeResult:
     """
     Encode a file into an image.
@@ -348,13 +483,16 @@ def encode_file(
         rsa_key_data: RSA private key PEM bytes (optional if using PIN)
         rsa_password: Password for RSA key if encrypted
         date_str: Date string YYYY-MM-DD (defaults to today)
-        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP')
+        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP') - LSB mode only
         filename_override: Override the stored filename
+        embed_mode: 'lsb' (default) or 'dct' (v3.0+)
+        dct_output_format: For DCT mode - 'png' or 'jpeg' (v3.0.1+)
         
     Returns:
         EncodeResult with stego image and metadata
     """
-    debug.print(f"encode_file called: filepath={filepath}")
+    debug.print(f"encode_file called: filepath={filepath}, embed_mode={embed_mode}, "
+                f"dct_output_format={dct_output_format}")
     payload = FilePayload.from_file(str(filepath), filename_override)
     
     return encode(
@@ -367,9 +505,15 @@ def encode_file(
         rsa_password=rsa_password,
         date_str=date_str,
         output_format=output_format,
+        embed_mode=embed_mode,
+        dct_output_format=dct_output_format,  # NEW in v3.0.1
     )
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# ENCODE_BYTES FUNCTION (v3.0.1 - with dct_output_format)
+# =============================================================================
+
 def encode_bytes(
     data: bytes,
     filename: str,
@@ -382,6 +526,8 @@ def encode_bytes(
     date_str: Optional[str] = None,
     output_format: Optional[str] = None,
     mime_type: Optional[str] = None,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    dct_output_format: str = "png",  # NEW in v3.0.1
 ) -> EncodeResult:
     """
     Encode raw bytes with a filename into an image.
@@ -398,13 +544,16 @@ def encode_bytes(
         rsa_key_data: RSA private key PEM bytes (optional if using PIN)
         rsa_password: Password for RSA key if encrypted
         date_str: Date string YYYY-MM-DD (defaults to today)
-        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP')
+        output_format: Force output format ('PNG', 'BMP') - LSB mode only
         mime_type: MIME type of the data
+        embed_mode: 'lsb' (default) or 'dct' (v3.0+)
+        dct_output_format: For DCT mode - 'png' or 'jpeg' (v3.0.1+)
         
     Returns:
         EncodeResult with stego image and metadata
     """
-    debug.print(f"encode_bytes called: filename={filename}, data_size={len(data)}")
+    debug.print(f"encode_bytes called: filename={filename}, data_size={len(data)}, "
+                f"embed_mode={embed_mode}, dct_output_format={dct_output_format}")
     payload = FilePayload(data=data, filename=filename, mime_type=mime_type)
     
     return encode(
@@ -417,9 +566,15 @@ def encode_bytes(
         rsa_password=rsa_password,
         date_str=date_str,
         output_format=output_format,
+        embed_mode=embed_mode,
+        dct_output_format=dct_output_format,  # NEW in v3.0.1
     )
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# DECODE FUNCTION
+# =============================================================================
+
 @debug.time
 def decode(
     stego_image: bytes,
@@ -429,6 +584,7 @@ def decode(
     rsa_key_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
     rsa_password: Optional[str] = None,
     date_str: Optional[str] = None,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
 ) -> DecodeResult:
     """
     Decode a secret message or file from a stego image.
@@ -443,6 +599,11 @@ def decode(
         pin: Static PIN (if used during encoding)
         rsa_key_data: RSA private key PEM bytes (if used during encoding)
         rsa_password: Password for RSA key if encrypted
+        date_str: Date override (defaults to today, then checks header)
+        embed_mode: 'auto' (default), 'lsb', or 'dct' (v3.0+)
+                    - 'auto': Try LSB first, then DCT if available
+                    - 'lsb': Only try LSB extraction
+                    - 'dct': Only try DCT extraction (requires scipy)
         
     Returns:
         DecodeResult with:
@@ -457,9 +618,24 @@ def decode(
         SecurityFactorError: If no PIN or RSA key provided
         ExtractionError: If data cannot be extracted
         DecryptionError: If decryption fails
+        ImportError: If DCT mode explicitly requested but scipy unavailable
+        
+    Note:
+        With embed_mode='auto' (default), tries LSB first then DCT.
+        For best performance, specify the mode if you know it.
     """
     debug.print(f"decode called: stego_image_size={len(stego_image)}, "
-                f"day_phrase='{day_phrase[:20]}...'")
+                f"day_phrase='{day_phrase[:20]}...', embed_mode={embed_mode}")
+    
+    # Validate embed_mode
+    if embed_mode not in (EMBED_MODE_AUTO, EMBED_MODE_LSB, EMBED_MODE_DCT):
+        raise ValidationError(f"Invalid embed_mode: {embed_mode}. Use 'auto', 'lsb', or 'dct'")
+    
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT and not has_dct_support():
+        raise ImportError(
+            "DCT extraction mode requires scipy. "
+            "Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
     
     # Validate inputs
     require_security_factors(pin, rsa_key_data)
@@ -479,7 +655,12 @@ def decode(
     
     debug.data(pixel_key, "Pixel key for extraction")
     
-    encrypted = extract_from_image(stego_image, pixel_key)
+    # Extract with specified mode
+    encrypted = extract_from_image(
+        stego_image,
+        pixel_key,
+        embed_mode=embed_mode,
+    )
     
     # If we got data, check if it's from a different date
     if encrypted:
@@ -490,7 +671,11 @@ def decode(
             pixel_key = derive_pixel_key(
                 reference_photo, day_phrase, header['date'], pin, rsa_key_data
             )
-            encrypted = extract_from_image(stego_image, pixel_key)
+            encrypted = extract_from_image(
+                stego_image,
+                pixel_key,
+                embed_mode=embed_mode,
+            )
     
     if not encrypted:
         debug.print("No data extracted from image")
@@ -503,6 +688,10 @@ def decode(
     return decrypt_message(encrypted, reference_photo, day_phrase, pin, rsa_key_data)
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# DECODE_TEXT FUNCTION
+# =============================================================================
+
 def decode_text(
     stego_image: bytes,
     reference_photo: bytes,
@@ -511,6 +700,7 @@ def decode_text(
     rsa_key_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
     rsa_password: Optional[str] = None,
     date_str: Optional[str] = None,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
 ) -> str:
     """
     Decode a text message from a stego image.
@@ -525,6 +715,8 @@ def decode_text(
         pin: Static PIN (if used during encoding)
         rsa_key_data: RSA private key PEM bytes (if used during encoding)
         rsa_password: Password for RSA key if encrypted
+        date_str: Date override
+        embed_mode: 'auto' (default), 'lsb', or 'dct' (v3.0+)
         
     Returns:
         Decrypted message string
@@ -532,8 +724,17 @@ def decode_text(
     Raises:
         DecryptionError: If content is a binary file, not text
     """
-    debug.print("decode_text called")
+    debug.print(f"decode_text called, embed_mode={embed_mode}")
-    result = decode(stego_image, reference_photo, day_phrase, pin, rsa_key_data, rsa_password)
+    result = decode(
+        stego_image,
+        reference_photo,
+        day_phrase,
+        pin,
+        rsa_key_data,
+        rsa_password,
+        date_str,
+        embed_mode,
+    )
     
     if result.is_file:
         # Try to decode file as text
@@ -553,6 +754,10 @@ def decode_text(
     return message
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# EXPORTS
+# =============================================================================
+
 __all__ = [
     # Version
     '__version__',
@@ -565,6 +770,27 @@ __all__ = [
     'decode_text',
     'generate_credentials',
     
+    # NEW in v3.0 - Embedding modes
+    'EMBED_MODE_LSB',
+    'EMBED_MODE_DCT',
+    'EMBED_MODE_AUTO',
+    'has_dct_support',
+    'compare_modes',
+    'get_available_modes',
+    'calculate_capacity_by_mode',
+    'will_fit_by_mode',
+    'detect_stego_mode',
+    'HAS_DCT',
+    
+    # NEW in v3.0 - DCT functions (available if scipy installed)
+    'embed_in_dct',
+    'extract_from_dct',
+    'calculate_dct_capacity',
+    'will_fit_dct',
+    'estimate_capacity_comparison',
+    'DCTEmbedStats',
+    'DCTCapacityInfo',
+    
     # Constants
     'DAY_NAMES',
     'LOSSLESS_FORMATS',
@@ -646,7 +872,7 @@ __all__ = [
     'get_image_dimensions',
     'get_image_format',
     'is_lossless_format',
-    'will_fit',  # NEW in v2.2.1
+    'will_fit',
     
     # Utilities
     'generate_filename',
@@ -657,12 +883,12 @@ __all__ = [
     'secure_delete',
     'SecureDeleter',
     'format_file_size',
-    'strip_image_metadata',  # NEW in v2.2.1
+    'strip_image_metadata',
     
     # Debugging
     'debug',
     
-    # Compression (v2.2.0)
+    # Compression
     'compress',
     'decompress',
     'CompressionAlgorithm',
@@ -671,11 +897,11 @@ __all__ = [
     'estimate_compressed_size',
     'get_available_algorithms',
     
-    # Batch processing (v2.2.0)
+    # Batch processing
     'BatchProcessor',
     'BatchResult',
     'BatchItem',
     'BatchStatus',
     'batch_capacity_check',
-    'BatchCredentials',  # NEW in v2.2.1
+    'BatchCredentials',
 ]

src/stegasoo/constants.py

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from pathlib import Path
 # VERSION
 # ============================================================================
 
-__version__ = "2.2.1"
+__version__ = "3.1.0"
 
 # ============================================================================
 # FILE FORMAT
@@ -181,3 +181,44 @@ def get_wordlist() -> list[str]:
     if _bip39_words is None:
         _bip39_words = get_bip39_words()
     return _bip39_words
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# DCT STEGANOGRAPHY (v3.0)
+# =============================================================================
+
+# Embedding modes
+EMBED_MODE_LSB = 'lsb'       # Spatial LSB embedding (default, original mode)
+EMBED_MODE_DCT = 'dct'       # DCT domain embedding (new in v3.0)
+EMBED_MODE_AUTO = 'auto'     # Auto-detect on decode
+
+# DCT-specific constants
+DCT_MAGIC_HEADER = b'\x89DCT'  # Magic header for DCT mode
+DCT_FORMAT_VERSION = 1
+DCT_STEP_SIZE = 8              # QIM quantization step
+
+# Valid embedding modes
+VALID_EMBED_MODES = {EMBED_MODE_LSB, EMBED_MODE_DCT}
+
+
+def detect_stego_mode(encrypted_data: bytes) -> str:
+    """
+    Detect embedding mode from encrypted payload header.
+    
+    Args:
+        encrypted_data: First few bytes of extracted payload
+        
+    Returns:
+        'lsb' or 'dct' or 'unknown'
+    """
+    if len(encrypted_data) < 4:
+        return 'unknown'
+    
+    header = encrypted_data[:4]
+    
+    if header == b'\x89ST3':
+        return EMBED_MODE_LSB
+    elif header == b'\x89DCT':
+        return EMBED_MODE_DCT
+    else:
+        return 'unknown'

src/stegasoo/dct_steganography.py

@@ -0,0 +1,554 @@
+"""
+DCT Domain Steganography Module (v3.0.1)
+
+Embeds data in DCT coefficients of grayscale images.
+Supports PNG (lossless) or JPEG (natural, smaller) output.
+
+This provides an alternative to LSB embedding with different trade-offs:
+- More resistant to visual inspection
+- Survives some image processing
+- Lower capacity (~20% of LSB)
+- Works in frequency domain
+
+Requires: scipy (for DCT transforms)
+"""
+
+import io
+import struct
+import hashlib
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Optional, Literal
+from enum import Enum
+
+import numpy as np
+from PIL import Image
+
+# Check for scipy availability
+try:
+    from scipy.fftpack import dct, idct
+    HAS_SCIPY = True
+except ImportError:
+    HAS_SCIPY = False
+    dct = None
+    idct = None
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# CONSTANTS
+# ============================================================================
+
+# DCT block size (standard 8x8 like JPEG)
+BLOCK_SIZE = 8
+
+# Coefficients to use for embedding (mid-frequency, zig-zag order positions)
+# Avoiding DC (0,0) and high-frequency edges
+# These positions are relatively stable across JPEG compression
+EMBED_POSITIONS = [
+    (0, 1), (1, 0), (2, 0), (1, 1), (0, 2), (0, 3), (1, 2), (2, 1), (3, 0),
+    (4, 0), (3, 1), (2, 2), (1, 3), (0, 4), (0, 5), (1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 2),
+    (4, 1), (5, 0), (5, 1), (4, 2), (3, 3), (2, 4), (1, 5), (0, 6), (0, 7),
+    (1, 6), (2, 5), (3, 4), (4, 3), (5, 2), (6, 1), (7, 0),
+]
+
+# Use subset of mid-frequency coefficients for better robustness
+# Positions 4-20 in zig-zag order (skip very low and very high frequencies)
+DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS = EMBED_POSITIONS[4:20]  # 16 coefficients per block
+
+# Quantization step for embedding (larger = more robust, more visible)
+QUANT_STEP = 25
+
+# Magic bytes for DCT stego identification
+DCT_MAGIC = b'DCTS'
+
+# Header: magic(4) + version(1) + flags(1) + length(4) = 10 bytes
+HEADER_SIZE = 10
+
+# Output format options
+OUTPUT_FORMAT_PNG = 'png'
+OUTPUT_FORMAT_JPEG = 'jpeg'
+
+# JPEG quality for output (high to preserve coefficients)
+JPEG_OUTPUT_QUALITY = 95
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# DATA CLASSES
+# ============================================================================
+
+class DCTOutputFormat(Enum):
+    """Output format for DCT stego images."""
+    PNG = 'png'
+    JPEG = 'jpeg'
+
+
+@dataclass
+class DCTEmbedStats:
+    """Statistics from DCT embedding operation."""
+    blocks_used: int
+    blocks_available: int
+    bits_embedded: int
+    capacity_bits: int
+    usage_percent: float
+    image_width: int
+    image_height: int
+    output_format: str  # 'png' or 'jpeg'
+
+
+@dataclass 
+class DCTCapacityInfo:
+    """Capacity information for a carrier image."""
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    blocks_x: int
+    blocks_y: int
+    total_blocks: int
+    bits_per_block: int
+    total_capacity_bits: int
+    total_capacity_bytes: int
+    usable_capacity_bytes: int  # After header overhead
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# HELPER FUNCTIONS
+# ============================================================================
+
+def _check_scipy():
+    """Raise ImportError if scipy is not available."""
+    if not HAS_SCIPY:
+        raise ImportError(
+            "DCT steganography requires scipy. "
+            "Install with: pip install scipy"
+        )
+
+
+def _dct2(block: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Apply 2D DCT to a block."""
+    return dct(dct(block.T, norm='ortho').T, norm='ortho')
+
+
+def _idct2(block: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Apply 2D inverse DCT to a block."""
+    return idct(idct(block.T, norm='ortho').T, norm='ortho')
+
+
+def _to_grayscale(image_data: bytes) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Convert image bytes to grayscale numpy array."""
+    img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+    gray = img.convert('L')
+    return np.array(gray, dtype=np.float64)
+
+
+def _pad_to_blocks(image: np.ndarray) -> tuple[np.ndarray, tuple[int, int]]:
+    """Pad image dimensions to be divisible by block size."""
+    h, w = image.shape
+    new_h = ((h + BLOCK_SIZE - 1) // BLOCK_SIZE) * BLOCK_SIZE
+    new_w = ((w + BLOCK_SIZE - 1) // BLOCK_SIZE) * BLOCK_SIZE
+    
+    if new_h == h and new_w == w:
+        return image, (h, w)
+    
+    padded = np.zeros((new_h, new_w), dtype=image.dtype)
+    padded[:h, :w] = image
+    
+    # Mirror padding for smoother edges
+    if new_h > h:
+        padded[h:, :w] = image[h-(new_h-h):h, :w][::-1, :]
+    if new_w > w:
+        padded[:h, w:] = image[:h, w-(new_w-w):w][:, ::-1]
+    if new_h > h and new_w > w:
+        padded[h:, w:] = image[h-(new_h-h):h, w-(new_w-w):w][::-1, ::-1]
+    
+    return padded, (h, w)
+
+
+def _unpad_image(image: np.ndarray, original_size: tuple[int, int]) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Remove padding from image."""
+    h, w = original_size
+    return image[:h, :w]
+
+
+def _embed_bit_in_coeff(coeff: float, bit: int, quant_step: int = QUANT_STEP) -> float:
+    """Embed a single bit into a DCT coefficient using QIM."""
+    # Quantization Index Modulation
+    quantized = round(coeff / quant_step)
+    if (quantized % 2) != bit:
+        # Adjust to embed the bit
+        if quantized % 2 == 0 and bit == 1:
+            quantized += 1 if coeff >= quantized * quant_step else -1
+        elif quantized % 2 == 1 and bit == 0:
+            quantized += 1 if coeff >= quantized * quant_step else -1
+    return quantized * quant_step
+
+
+def _extract_bit_from_coeff(coeff: float, quant_step: int = QUANT_STEP) -> int:
+    """Extract a single bit from a DCT coefficient."""
+    quantized = round(coeff / quant_step)
+    return quantized % 2
+
+
+def _generate_block_order(num_blocks: int, seed: bytes) -> list[int]:
+    """Generate pseudo-random block order from seed."""
+    # Create deterministic RNG from seed
+    hash_bytes = hashlib.sha256(seed).digest()
+    rng = np.random.RandomState(int.from_bytes(hash_bytes[:4], 'big'))
+    
+    order = list(range(num_blocks))
+    rng.shuffle(order)
+    return order
+
+
+def _save_stego_image(
+    image: np.ndarray, 
+    output_format: str = OUTPUT_FORMAT_PNG
+) -> bytes:
+    """Save stego image in specified format."""
+    # Clip to valid range and convert to uint8
+    clipped = np.clip(image, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+    img = Image.fromarray(clipped, mode='L')
+    
+    buffer = io.BytesIO()
+    
+    if output_format == OUTPUT_FORMAT_JPEG:
+        # High-quality JPEG with no chroma subsampling
+        img.save(
+            buffer, 
+            format='JPEG', 
+            quality=JPEG_OUTPUT_QUALITY, 
+            subsampling=0,  # 4:4:4 - no subsampling
+            optimize=True
+        )
+    else:
+        # PNG (lossless, default)
+        img.save(buffer, format='PNG', optimize=True)
+    
+    return buffer.getvalue()
+
+
+def _create_header(data_length: int, flags: int = 0) -> bytes:
+    """Create DCT stego header."""
+    # Header format: MAGIC(4) + VERSION(1) + FLAGS(1) + LENGTH(4)
+    version = 1
+    return struct.pack('>4sBBI', DCT_MAGIC, version, flags, data_length)
+
+
+def _parse_header(header_bits: list[int]) -> tuple[int, int, int]:
+    """Parse header from extracted bits. Returns (version, flags, data_length)."""
+    if len(header_bits) < HEADER_SIZE * 8:
+        raise ValueError("Insufficient header data")
+    
+    # Convert bits to bytes
+    header_bytes = bytes([
+        sum(header_bits[i*8:(i+1)*8][j] << (7-j) for j in range(8))
+        for i in range(HEADER_SIZE)
+    ])
+    
+    magic, version, flags, length = struct.unpack('>4sBBI', header_bytes)
+    
+    if magic != DCT_MAGIC:
+        raise ValueError("Invalid DCT stego magic bytes - not a DCT stego image")
+    
+    return version, flags, length
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# PUBLIC API
+# ============================================================================
+
+def has_dct_support() -> bool:
+    """Check if DCT steganography is available."""
+    return HAS_SCIPY
+
+
+def calculate_dct_capacity(image_data: bytes) -> DCTCapacityInfo:
+    """
+    Calculate the DCT embedding capacity of an image.
+    
+    Args:
+        image_data: Image file bytes
+        
+    Returns:
+        DCTCapacityInfo with capacity details
+    """
+    _check_scipy()
+    
+    img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+    width, height = img.size
+    
+    # Calculate blocks
+    blocks_x = width // BLOCK_SIZE
+    blocks_y = height // BLOCK_SIZE
+    total_blocks = blocks_x * blocks_y
+    
+    # Bits per block (using selected coefficient positions)
+    bits_per_block = len(DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS)
+    
+    # Total capacity
+    total_bits = total_blocks * bits_per_block
+    total_bytes = total_bits // 8
+    
+    # Usable capacity (minus header)
+    usable_bytes = max(0, total_bytes - HEADER_SIZE)
+    
+    return DCTCapacityInfo(
+        width=width,
+        height=height,
+        blocks_x=blocks_x,
+        blocks_y=blocks_y,
+        total_blocks=total_blocks,
+        bits_per_block=bits_per_block,
+        total_capacity_bits=total_bits,
+        total_capacity_bytes=total_bytes,
+        usable_capacity_bytes=usable_bytes
+    )
+
+
+def will_fit_dct(data_length: int, image_data: bytes) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if data will fit in the image using DCT embedding.
+    
+    Args:
+        data_length: Length of data in bytes
+        image_data: Carrier image bytes
+        
+    Returns:
+        True if data fits, False otherwise
+    """
+    capacity = calculate_dct_capacity(image_data)
+    return data_length <= capacity.usable_capacity_bytes
+
+
+def estimate_capacity_comparison(image_data: bytes) -> dict:
+    """
+    Compare LSB and DCT capacity for an image.
+    
+    Args:
+        image_data: Image file bytes
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict with 'lsb' and 'dct' capacity info
+    """
+    img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+    width, height = img.size
+    pixels = width * height
+    
+    # LSB capacity (3 bits per pixel for RGB, simplified)
+    lsb_bytes = (pixels * 3) // 8
+    
+    # DCT capacity
+    if HAS_SCIPY:
+        dct_info = calculate_dct_capacity(image_data)
+        dct_bytes = dct_info.usable_capacity_bytes
+    else:
+        # Estimate without scipy
+        blocks = (width // 8) * (height // 8)
+        dct_bytes = (blocks * 16) // 8 - HEADER_SIZE
+    
+    return {
+        'width': width,
+        'height': height,
+        'lsb': {
+            'capacity_bytes': lsb_bytes,
+            'capacity_kb': lsb_bytes / 1024,
+            'output': 'PNG/BMP (color)',
+        },
+        'dct': {
+            'capacity_bytes': dct_bytes,
+            'capacity_kb': dct_bytes / 1024,
+            'output': 'PNG or JPEG (grayscale)',
+            'ratio_vs_lsb': (dct_bytes / lsb_bytes * 100) if lsb_bytes > 0 else 0,
+            'available': HAS_SCIPY,
+        }
+    }
+
+
+def embed_in_dct(
+    data: bytes,
+    carrier_image: bytes,
+    seed: bytes,
+    output_format: str = OUTPUT_FORMAT_PNG,
+) -> tuple[bytes, DCTEmbedStats]:
+    """
+    Embed data into image using DCT coefficient modification.
+    
+    Args:
+        data: Data to embed
+        carrier_image: Carrier image bytes
+        seed: Seed for pseudo-random block selection
+        output_format: Output format - 'png' (default, lossless) or 'jpeg' (smaller)
+        
+    Returns:
+        Tuple of (stego_image_bytes, stats)
+        
+    Raises:
+        ImportError: If scipy is not available
+        ValueError: If data is too large for carrier
+    """
+    _check_scipy()
+    
+    # Validate output format
+    if output_format not in (OUTPUT_FORMAT_PNG, OUTPUT_FORMAT_JPEG):
+        raise ValueError(f"Invalid output format: {output_format}. Use 'png' or 'jpeg'")
+    
+    # Calculate capacity
+    capacity_info = calculate_dct_capacity(carrier_image)
+    
+    if len(data) > capacity_info.usable_capacity_bytes:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Data too large ({len(data)} bytes) for carrier "
+            f"(capacity: {capacity_info.usable_capacity_bytes} bytes)"
+        )
+    
+    # Prepare image
+    image = _to_grayscale(carrier_image)
+    padded, original_size = _pad_to_blocks(image)
+    
+    # Create header + data
+    header = _create_header(len(data))
+    payload = header + data
+    
+    # Convert payload to bits
+    bits = []
+    for byte in payload:
+        for i in range(7, -1, -1):
+            bits.append((byte >> i) & 1)
+    
+    # Generate block order
+    num_blocks = capacity_info.total_blocks
+    block_order = _generate_block_order(num_blocks, seed)
+    
+    # Embed bits
+    bit_idx = 0
+    blocks_used = 0
+    h, w = padded.shape
+    
+    for block_num in block_order:
+        if bit_idx >= len(bits):
+            break
+            
+        # Calculate block position
+        by = (block_num // (w // BLOCK_SIZE)) * BLOCK_SIZE
+        bx = (block_num % (w // BLOCK_SIZE)) * BLOCK_SIZE
+        
+        # Extract and transform block
+        block = padded[by:by+BLOCK_SIZE, bx:bx+BLOCK_SIZE].copy()
+        dct_block = _dct2(block)
+        
+        # Embed bits in selected coefficients
+        for pos in DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS:
+            if bit_idx >= len(bits):
+                break
+            dct_block[pos] = _embed_bit_in_coeff(dct_block[pos], bits[bit_idx])
+            bit_idx += 1
+        
+        # Inverse transform and store
+        modified_block = _idct2(dct_block)
+        padded[by:by+BLOCK_SIZE, bx:bx+BLOCK_SIZE] = modified_block
+        blocks_used += 1
+    
+    # Remove padding and save
+    result = _unpad_image(padded, original_size)
+    stego_bytes = _save_stego_image(result, output_format)
+    
+    stats = DCTEmbedStats(
+        blocks_used=blocks_used,
+        blocks_available=capacity_info.total_blocks,
+        bits_embedded=len(bits),
+        capacity_bits=capacity_info.total_capacity_bits,
+        usage_percent=(len(bits) / capacity_info.total_capacity_bits) * 100,
+        image_width=original_size[1],
+        image_height=original_size[0],
+        output_format=output_format,
+    )
+    
+    return stego_bytes, stats
+
+
+def extract_from_dct(
+    stego_image: bytes,
+    seed: bytes,
+) -> bytes:
+    """
+    Extract data from DCT stego image.
+    
+    Args:
+        stego_image: Stego image bytes
+        seed: Same seed used for embedding
+        
+    Returns:
+        Extracted data bytes
+        
+    Raises:
+        ImportError: If scipy is not available
+        ValueError: If image is not a valid DCT stego image
+    """
+    _check_scipy()
+    
+    # Prepare image
+    image = _to_grayscale(stego_image)
+    padded, original_size = _pad_to_blocks(image)
+    
+    # Calculate capacity
+    h, w = padded.shape
+    blocks_x = w // BLOCK_SIZE
+    blocks_y = h // BLOCK_SIZE
+    num_blocks = blocks_x * blocks_y
+    
+    # Generate same block order
+    block_order = _generate_block_order(num_blocks, seed)
+    
+    # Extract all bits (we'll stop when we have enough based on header)
+    all_bits = []
+    
+    for block_num in block_order:
+        by = (block_num // blocks_x) * BLOCK_SIZE
+        bx = (block_num % blocks_x) * BLOCK_SIZE
+        
+        block = padded[by:by+BLOCK_SIZE, bx:bx+BLOCK_SIZE]
+        dct_block = _dct2(block)
+        
+        for pos in DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS:
+            bit = _extract_bit_from_coeff(dct_block[pos])
+            all_bits.append(bit)
+        
+        # Check if we have enough for header
+        if len(all_bits) >= HEADER_SIZE * 8:
+            try:
+                _, _, data_length = _parse_header(all_bits[:HEADER_SIZE * 8])
+                total_needed = (HEADER_SIZE + data_length) * 8
+                if len(all_bits) >= total_needed:
+                    break
+            except ValueError:
+                # Not enough data yet or invalid, continue
+                pass
+    
+    # Parse header
+    version, flags, data_length = _parse_header(all_bits)
+    
+    # Extract data bits
+    data_bits = all_bits[HEADER_SIZE * 8:(HEADER_SIZE + data_length) * 8]
+    
+    # Convert bits to bytes
+    data = bytes([
+        sum(data_bits[i*8:(i+1)*8][j] << (7-j) for j in range(8))
+        for i in range(data_length)
+    ])
+    
+    return data
+
+
+# ============================================================================
+# CONVENIENCE FUNCTIONS
+# ============================================================================
+
+def get_output_extension(output_format: str) -> str:
+    """Get file extension for output format."""
+    if output_format == OUTPUT_FORMAT_JPEG:
+        return '.jpg'
+    return '.png'
+
+
+def get_output_mimetype(output_format: str) -> str:
+    """Get MIME type for output format."""
+    if output_format == OUTPUT_FORMAT_JPEG:
+        return 'image/jpeg'
+    return 'image/png'

src/stegasoo/steganography.py

@@ -1,7 +1,16 @@
 """
-Stegasoo Steganography Functions
+Stegasoo Steganography Functions (v3.0.1)
 
-LSB embedding and extraction with pseudo-random pixel selection.
+LSB and DCT embedding modes with pseudo-random pixel/coefficient selection.
+
+New in v3.0:
+- DCT domain embedding mode (requires scipy)
+- embed_mode parameter for encode/decode
+- Auto-detection of embedding mode
+- Comparison utilities
+
+New in v3.0.1:
+- dct_output_format parameter for DCT mode ('png' or 'jpeg')
 """
 
 import io
@@ -15,6 +24,12 @@ from cryptography.hazmat.backends import default_backend
 from .models import EmbedStats, FilePayload
 from .exceptions import CapacityError, ExtractionError, EmbeddingError
 from .debug import debug
+from .constants import (
+    EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    EMBED_MODE_DCT, 
+    EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
+    VALID_EMBED_MODES,
+)
 
 
 # Lossless formats that preserve LSB data
@@ -40,6 +55,48 @@ HEADER_OVERHEAD = 104  # Magic + version + date + salt + iv + tag
 LENGTH_PREFIX = 4      # 4 bytes for payload length
 ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD = HEADER_OVERHEAD + LENGTH_PREFIX
 
+# DCT output format options (v3.0.1)
+DCT_OUTPUT_PNG = 'png'
+DCT_OUTPUT_JPEG = 'jpeg'
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# DCT MODULE LAZY LOADING
+# =============================================================================
+
+_dct_module = None
+
+
+def _get_dct_module():
+    """Lazy load DCT module to avoid scipy import if not needed."""
+    global _dct_module
+    if _dct_module is None:
+        from . import dct_steganography
+        _dct_module = dct_steganography
+    return _dct_module
+
+
+def has_dct_support() -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if DCT steganography mode is available.
+    
+    Returns:
+        True if scipy is installed and DCT functions work
+        
+    Example:
+        >>> if has_dct_support():
+        ...     result = encode(..., embed_mode='dct')
+    """
+    try:
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        return dct_mod.has_dct_support()
+    except ImportError:
+        return False
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# FORMAT UTILITIES
+# =============================================================================
 
 def get_output_format(input_format: Optional[str]) -> Tuple[str, str]:
     """
@@ -51,12 +108,6 @@ def get_output_format(input_format: Optional[str]) -> Tuple[str, str]:
     Returns:
         Tuple of (PIL format string, file extension) for output
         Falls back to PNG for lossy or unknown formats.
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> get_output_format('JPEG')
-        ('PNG', 'png')
-        >>> get_output_format('PNG')
-        ('PNG', 'png')
     """
     debug.validate(input_format is None or isinstance(input_format, str),
                 "Input format must be string or None")
@@ -67,11 +118,14 @@ def get_output_format(input_format: Optional[str]) -> Tuple[str, str]:
         debug.print(f"Using lossless format: {fmt} -> .{ext}")
         return fmt, ext
     
-    # Default to PNG for lossy formats (JPEG, GIF) or unknown
     debug.print(f"Input format {input_format} is lossy or unknown, defaulting to PNG")
     return 'PNG', 'png'
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# CAPACITY FUNCTIONS
+# =============================================================================
+
 def will_fit(
     payload: Union[str, bytes, FilePayload, int],
     carrier_image: bytes,
@@ -79,38 +133,16 @@ def will_fit(
     include_compression_estimate: bool = True,
 ) -> dict:
     """
-    Check if a payload will fit in a carrier image without performing encryption.
+    Check if a payload will fit in a carrier image (LSB mode).
-    
-    This is a lightweight pre-check to avoid wasted work on payloads that
-    are too large. For accurate results with compression, the actual compressed
-    size may vary.
     
     Args:
         payload: Message string, raw bytes, FilePayload, or size in bytes
         carrier_image: Carrier image bytes
         bits_per_channel: Bits to use per color channel (1-2)
-        include_compression_estimate: Estimate compressed size (requires payload data)
+        include_compression_estimate: Estimate compressed size
         
     Returns:
-        Dict with:
+        Dict with fits, capacity, usage info
-        - fits: bool - Whether payload will fit
-        - payload_size: int - Raw payload size in bytes
-        - estimated_encrypted_size: int - Estimated size after encryption + overhead
-        - capacity: int - Available capacity in bytes
-        - usage_percent: float - Estimated capacity usage (0-100)
-        - headroom: int - Bytes remaining (negative if won't fit)
-        - compressed_estimate: int | None - Estimated compressed size (if applicable)
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> result = will_fit("Hello world", carrier_bytes)
-        >>> result['fits']
-        True
-        >>> result['usage_percent']
-        0.5
-        
-        >>> result = will_fit(50000, carrier_bytes)  # Check if 50KB would fit
-        >>> result['fits']
-        False
     """
     # Determine payload size
     if isinstance(payload, int):
@@ -121,42 +153,35 @@ def will_fit(
         payload_size = len(payload_data)
     elif isinstance(payload, FilePayload):
         payload_data = payload.data
-        # Account for filename/mime metadata
         filename_overhead = len(payload.filename.encode('utf-8')) if payload.filename else 0
         mime_overhead = len(payload.mime_type.encode('utf-8')) if payload.mime_type else 0
-        payload_size = len(payload.data) + filename_overhead + mime_overhead + 5  # +5 for length prefixes + type byte
+        payload_size = len(payload.data) + filename_overhead + mime_overhead + 5
     else:
         payload_data = payload
         payload_size = len(payload)
     
-    # Calculate capacity
     capacity = calculate_capacity(carrier_image, bits_per_channel)
     
-    # Estimate encrypted size (payload + random padding + overhead)
-    # Padding adds 64-319 bytes, averaging ~190
     estimated_padding = 190
     estimated_encrypted_size = payload_size + estimated_padding + ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD
     
-    # Compression estimate
     compressed_estimate = None
     if include_compression_estimate and payload_data is not None and len(payload_data) >= 64:
         try:
             import zlib
             compressed = zlib.compress(payload_data, level=6)
-            # Add compression header overhead (9 bytes)
             compressed_size = len(compressed) + 9
             if compressed_size < payload_size:
                 compressed_estimate = compressed_size
-                # Use compressed size for fit calculation
                 estimated_encrypted_size = compressed_size + estimated_padding + ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD
         except Exception:
-            pass  # Ignore compression errors
+            pass
     
     headroom = capacity - estimated_encrypted_size
     fits = headroom >= 0
     usage_percent = (estimated_encrypted_size / capacity * 100) if capacity > 0 else 100.0
     
-    result = {
+    return {
         'fits': fits,
         'payload_size': payload_size,
         'estimated_encrypted_size': estimated_encrypted_size,
@@ -164,14 +189,206 @@ def will_fit(
         'usage_percent': min(usage_percent, 100.0),
         'headroom': headroom,
         'compressed_estimate': compressed_estimate,
+        'mode': EMBED_MODE_LSB,
     }
-    
-    debug.print(f"will_fit: payload={payload_size}, encrypted~={estimated_encrypted_size}, "
-                f"capacity={capacity}, fits={fits}")
-    
-    return result
 
 
+def calculate_capacity(image_data: bytes, bits_per_channel: int = 1) -> int:
+    """
+    Calculate the maximum message capacity of an image (LSB mode).
+    
+    Args:
+        image_data: Image bytes
+        bits_per_channel: Bits to use per color channel
+        
+    Returns:
+        Maximum bytes that can be embedded (minus overhead)
+    """
+    debug.validate(bits_per_channel in (1, 2),
+                f"bits_per_channel must be 1 or 2, got {bits_per_channel}")
+    
+    img_file = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+    img = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file
+    
+    num_pixels = img.size[0] * img.size[1]
+    bits_per_pixel = 3 * bits_per_channel
+    max_bytes = (num_pixels * bits_per_pixel) // 8
+    
+    capacity = max(0, max_bytes - ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD)
+    debug.print(f"LSB capacity: {capacity} bytes at {bits_per_channel} bit(s)/channel")
+    return capacity
+
+
+def calculate_capacity_by_mode(
+    image_data: bytes, 
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    bits_per_channel: int = 1,
+) -> dict:
+    """
+    Calculate capacity for specified embedding mode.
+    
+    Args:
+        image_data: Carrier image bytes
+        embed_mode: 'lsb' or 'dct'
+        bits_per_channel: Bits per channel for LSB mode
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict with capacity information
+    """
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT:
+        if not has_dct_support():
+            raise ImportError("scipy required for DCT mode. Install: pip install scipy")
+        
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        dct_info = dct_mod.calculate_dct_capacity(image_data)
+        
+        return {
+            'mode': EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+            'capacity_bytes': dct_info.usable_capacity_bytes,
+            'capacity_bits': dct_info.total_capacity_bits,
+            'width': dct_info.width,
+            'height': dct_info.height,
+            'total_blocks': dct_info.total_blocks,
+        }
+    else:
+        capacity = calculate_capacity(image_data, bits_per_channel)
+        img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+        width, height = img.size
+        
+        return {
+            'mode': EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+            'capacity_bytes': capacity,
+            'capacity_bits': capacity * 8,
+            'width': width,
+            'height': height,
+            'bits_per_channel': bits_per_channel,
+        }
+
+
+def will_fit_by_mode(
+    payload: Union[str, bytes, FilePayload, int],
+    carrier_image: bytes,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    bits_per_channel: int = 1,
+) -> dict:
+    """
+    Check if payload fits in specified mode.
+    
+    Args:
+        payload: Message, bytes, FilePayload, or size in bytes
+        carrier_image: Carrier image bytes
+        embed_mode: 'lsb' or 'dct'
+        bits_per_channel: For LSB mode
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict with fits, capacity, usage info
+    """
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT:
+        if not has_dct_support():
+            return {'fits': False, 'error': 'scipy not available', 'mode': EMBED_MODE_DCT}
+        
+        if isinstance(payload, int):
+            payload_size = payload
+        elif isinstance(payload, str):
+            payload_size = len(payload.encode('utf-8'))
+        elif hasattr(payload, 'data'):
+            payload_size = len(payload.data)
+        else:
+            payload_size = len(payload)
+        
+        estimated_size = payload_size + ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD + 190
+        
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        fits = dct_mod.will_fit_dct(estimated_size, carrier_image)
+        capacity_info = dct_mod.calculate_dct_capacity(carrier_image)
+        capacity = capacity_info.usable_capacity_bytes
+        
+        usage_percent = (estimated_size / capacity * 100) if capacity > 0 else 100.0
+        
+        return {
+            'fits': fits,
+            'payload_size': payload_size,
+            'capacity': capacity,
+            'usage_percent': min(usage_percent, 100.0),
+            'headroom': capacity - estimated_size,
+            'mode': EMBED_MODE_DCT,
+        }
+    else:
+        return will_fit(payload, carrier_image, bits_per_channel)
+
+
+def get_available_modes() -> dict:
+    """
+    Get available embedding modes and their status.
+    
+    Returns:
+        Dict mapping mode name to availability info
+    """
+    return {
+        EMBED_MODE_LSB: {
+            'available': True,
+            'name': 'Spatial LSB',
+            'description': 'Embed in pixel LSBs, outputs PNG/BMP',
+            'output_format': 'PNG (color)',
+        },
+        EMBED_MODE_DCT: {
+            'available': has_dct_support(),
+            'name': 'DCT Domain',
+            'description': 'Embed in DCT coefficients, outputs grayscale PNG or JPEG',
+            'output_formats': ['PNG (grayscale)', 'JPEG (grayscale)'],
+            'requires': 'scipy',
+        },
+    }
+
+
+def compare_modes(image_data: bytes) -> dict:
+    """
+    Compare embedding modes for a carrier image.
+    
+    Args:
+        image_data: Carrier image bytes
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict with comparison of LSB vs DCT modes
+    """
+    img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
+    width, height = img.size
+    
+    lsb_bytes = calculate_capacity(image_data, 1)
+    
+    if has_dct_support():
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        dct_info = dct_mod.calculate_dct_capacity(image_data)
+        dct_bytes = dct_info.usable_capacity_bytes
+        dct_available = True
+    else:
+        safe_blocks = (height // 8) * (width // 8)
+        dct_bytes = (safe_blocks * 16) // 8  # Estimated
+        dct_available = False
+    
+    return {
+        'width': width,
+        'height': height,
+        'lsb': {
+            'capacity_bytes': lsb_bytes,
+            'capacity_kb': lsb_bytes / 1024,
+            'available': True,
+            'output': 'PNG (color)',
+        },
+        'dct': {
+            'capacity_bytes': dct_bytes,
+            'capacity_kb': dct_bytes / 1024,
+            'available': dct_available,
+            'output': 'PNG or JPEG (grayscale)',
+            'ratio_vs_lsb': (dct_bytes / lsb_bytes * 100) if lsb_bytes > 0 else 0,
+        },
+    }
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# PIXEL INDEX GENERATION
+# =============================================================================
+
 @debug.time
 def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List[int]:
     """
@@ -179,17 +396,6 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
     
     Uses ChaCha20 as a CSPRNG seeded by the key to deterministically
     select which pixels will hold hidden data.
-    
-    Args:
-        key: 32-byte key for pixel selection
-        num_pixels: Total pixels in image
-        num_needed: Number of pixels needed for embedding
-        
-    Returns:
-        List of pixel indices
-        
-    Note:
-        Optimizes for both small and large num_needed values.
     """
     debug.validate(len(key) == 32, f"Pixel key must be 32 bytes, got {len(key)}")
     debug.validate(num_pixels > 0, f"Number of pixels must be positive, got {num_pixels}")
@@ -200,7 +406,6 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
     debug.print(f"Generating {num_needed} pixel indices from {num_pixels} total pixels")
     
     if num_needed >= num_pixels // 2:
-        # If we need many pixels, shuffle all indices
         debug.print(f"Using full shuffle (needed {num_needed}/{num_pixels} pixels)")
         nonce = b'\x00' * 16
         cipher = Cipher(algorithms.ChaCha20(key, nonce), mode=None, backend=default_backend())
@@ -209,7 +414,6 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
         indices = list(range(num_pixels))
         random_bytes = encryptor.update(b'\x00' * (num_pixels * 4))
         
-        # Fisher-Yates shuffle using CSPRNG
         for i in range(num_pixels - 1, 0, -1):
             j_bytes = random_bytes[(num_pixels - 1 - i) * 4:(num_pixels - i) * 4]
             j = int.from_bytes(j_bytes, 'big') % (i + 1)
@@ -219,7 +423,6 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
         debug.print(f"Generated {len(selected)} indices via shuffle")
         return selected
     
-    # Optimized path: generate indices directly (for smaller selections)
     debug.print(f"Using optimized selection (needed {num_needed}/{num_pixels} pixels)")
     selected = []
     used = set()
@@ -228,7 +431,6 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
     cipher = Cipher(algorithms.ChaCha20(key, nonce), mode=None, backend=default_backend())
     encryptor = cipher.encryptor()
     
-    # Generate more than needed to handle collisions
     bytes_needed = (num_needed * 2) * 4
     random_bytes = encryptor.update(b'\x00' * bytes_needed)
     
@@ -244,11 +446,10 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
         else:
             collisions += 1
     
-    # Generate additional if needed (rare)
     if len(selected) < num_needed:
         debug.print(f"Need {num_needed - len(selected)} more indices, generating...")
         extra_needed = num_needed - len(selected)
-        for _ in range(extra_needed * 2):  # Try twice as many to account for collisions
+        for _ in range(extra_needed * 2):
             extra_bytes = encryptor.update(b'\x00' * 4)
             idx = int.from_bytes(extra_bytes, 'big') % num_pixels
             if idx not in used:
@@ -263,43 +464,91 @@ def generate_pixel_indices(key: bytes, num_pixels: int, num_needed: int) -> List
     return selected
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# EMBEDDING FUNCTIONS
+# =============================================================================
+
 @debug.time
 def embed_in_image(
-    carrier_data: bytes,
+    data: bytes,
-    encrypted_data: bytes,
+    image_data: bytes,
     pixel_key: bytes,
     bits_per_channel: int = 1,
-    output_format: Optional[str] = None
+    output_format: Optional[str] = None,
-) -> Tuple[bytes, EmbedStats, str]:
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_LSB,
+    dct_output_format: str = DCT_OUTPUT_PNG,  # NEW in v3.0.1
+) -> Tuple[bytes, Union[EmbedStats, 'DCTEmbedStats'], str]:
     """
-    Embed encrypted data in carrier image using LSB steganography.
+    Embed data into an image using specified mode.
-    
-    Uses pseudo-random pixel selection based on pixel_key to scatter
-    the data across the image, defeating statistical analysis.
-    
-    Note: Output images have all metadata (EXIF, etc.) stripped automatically.
     
     Args:
-        carrier_data: Carrier image bytes
+        data: Data to embed (encrypted payload)
-        encrypted_data: Data to embed
+        image_data: Carrier image bytes
-        pixel_key: Key for pixel selection
+        pixel_key: Key for pixel/coefficient selection
-        bits_per_channel: Bits to use per color channel (1-2)
+        bits_per_channel: Bits per channel (LSB mode only)
-        output_format: Force specific output format (PNG, BMP). 
+        output_format: Force output format (LSB mode only)
-                       If None, auto-detect from carrier (lossless) or default to PNG.
+        embed_mode: 'lsb' (default) or 'dct'
+        dct_output_format: For DCT mode - 'png' (lossless) or 'jpeg' (smaller)
         
     Returns:
-        Tuple of (image bytes, EmbedStats, file extension)
+        Tuple of (stego image bytes, stats, file extension)
         
     Raises:
-        CapacityError: If carrier is too small
+        CapacityError: If data won't fit
         EmbeddingError: If embedding fails
-        
+        ImportError: If DCT mode requested but scipy unavailable
-    Example:
-        >>> stego_bytes, stats, ext = embed_in_image(carrier, encrypted, key)
-        >>> stats.pixels_modified
-        1500
     """
-    debug.print(f"Embedding {len(encrypted_data)} bytes into image")
+    debug.print(f"embed_in_image: mode={embed_mode}, data={len(data)} bytes")
+    debug.validate(embed_mode in VALID_EMBED_MODES, 
+                   f"Invalid embed_mode: {embed_mode}. Use 'lsb' or 'dct'")
+    
+    # DCT MODE
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT:
+        if not has_dct_support():
+            raise ImportError(
+                "scipy is required for DCT embedding mode. "
+                "Install with: pip install scipy"
+            )
+        
+        # Validate DCT output format
+        if dct_output_format not in (DCT_OUTPUT_PNG, DCT_OUTPUT_JPEG):
+            debug.print(f"Invalid dct_output_format '{dct_output_format}', defaulting to PNG")
+            dct_output_format = DCT_OUTPUT_PNG
+        
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        
+        # Pass output_format to DCT module (v3.0.1)
+        stego_bytes, dct_stats = dct_mod.embed_in_dct(
+            data, 
+            image_data, 
+            pixel_key,
+            output_format=dct_output_format,
+        )
+        
+        # Determine extension based on output format
+        if dct_output_format == DCT_OUTPUT_JPEG:
+            ext = 'jpg'
+        else:
+            ext = 'png'
+        
+        debug.print(f"DCT embedding complete: {dct_output_format.upper()} output, ext={ext}")
+        return stego_bytes, dct_stats, ext
+    
+    # LSB MODE
+    return _embed_lsb(data, image_data, pixel_key, bits_per_channel, output_format)
+
+
+def _embed_lsb(
+    data: bytes,
+    image_data: bytes,
+    pixel_key: bytes,
+    bits_per_channel: int = 1,
+    output_format: Optional[str] = None,
+) -> Tuple[bytes, EmbedStats, str]:
+    """
+    Embed data using LSB steganography (internal implementation).
+    """
+    debug.print(f"LSB embedding {len(data)} bytes into image")
     debug.data(pixel_key, "Pixel key for embedding")
     debug.validate(bits_per_channel in (1, 2), 
                 f"bits_per_channel must be 1 or 2, got {bits_per_channel}")
@@ -307,13 +556,12 @@ def embed_in_image(
                 f"Pixel key must be 32 bytes, got {len(pixel_key)}")
     
     try:
-        img_file = Image.open(io.BytesIO(carrier_data))
+        img_file = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
         input_format = img_file.format
         
         debug.print(f"Carrier image: {img_file.size[0]}x{img_file.size[1]}, format: {input_format}")
         
-        # Convert to RGB - this returns Image.Image, not ImageFile
+        img = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file.copy()
-        img: Image.Image = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file.copy()
         if img_file.mode != 'RGB':
             debug.print(f"Converting image from {img_file.mode} to RGB")
         
@@ -325,8 +573,7 @@ def embed_in_image(
         
         debug.print(f"Image capacity: {max_bytes} bytes at {bits_per_channel} bit(s)/channel")
         
-        # Prepend length
+        data_with_len = struct.pack('>I', len(data)) + data
-        data_with_len = struct.pack('>I', len(encrypted_data)) + encrypted_data
         
         if len(data_with_len) > max_bytes:
             debug.print(f"Capacity error: need {len(data_with_len)}, have {max_bytes}")
@@ -335,16 +582,13 @@ def embed_in_image(
         debug.print(f"Total data to embed: {len(data_with_len)} bytes "
                    f"({len(data_with_len)/max_bytes*100:.1f}% of capacity)")
         
-        # Convert to binary string
         binary_data = ''.join(format(b, '08b') for b in data_with_len)
         pixels_needed = (len(binary_data) + bits_per_pixel - 1) // bits_per_pixel
         
         debug.print(f"Need {pixels_needed} pixels to embed {len(binary_data)} bits")
         
-        # Get pixel indices
         selected_indices = generate_pixel_indices(pixel_key, num_pixels, pixels_needed)
         
-        # Embed data
         new_pixels = list(pixels)
         clear_mask = 0xFF ^ ((1 << bits_per_channel) - 1)
         
@@ -381,11 +625,9 @@ def embed_in_image(
         
         debug.print(f"Modified {modified_pixels} pixels (out of {len(selected_indices)} selected)")
         
-        # Create output image (fresh image = no metadata/EXIF carried over)
         stego_img = Image.new('RGB', img.size)
         stego_img.putdata(new_pixels)
         
-        # Determine output format
         if output_format:
             out_fmt = output_format.upper()
             out_ext = FORMAT_TO_EXT.get(out_fmt, 'png')
@@ -405,42 +647,88 @@ def embed_in_image(
             bytes_embedded=len(data_with_len)
         )
         
-        debug.print(f"Embedding complete: {out_fmt} image, {len(output.getvalue())} bytes")
+        debug.print(f"LSB embedding complete: {out_fmt} image, {len(output.getvalue())} bytes")
         return output.getvalue(), stats, out_ext
         
     except CapacityError:
         raise
     except Exception as e:
-        debug.exception(e, "embed_in_image")
+        debug.exception(e, "embed_lsb")
         raise EmbeddingError(f"Failed to embed data: {e}") from e
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# EXTRACTION FUNCTIONS
+# =============================================================================
+
 @debug.time
 def extract_from_image(
     image_data: bytes,
     pixel_key: bytes,
-    bits_per_channel: int = 1
+    bits_per_channel: int = 1,
+    embed_mode: str = EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
 ) -> Optional[bytes]:
     """
     Extract hidden data from a stego image.
     
     Args:
         image_data: Stego image bytes
-        pixel_key: Key for pixel selection (must match encoding)
+        pixel_key: Key for pixel/coefficient selection (must match encoding)
-        bits_per_channel: Bits per channel (must match encoding)
+        bits_per_channel: Bits per channel (LSB mode only)
+        embed_mode: 'auto' (try both), 'lsb', or 'dct'
         
     Returns:
         Extracted data bytes, or None if extraction fails
-        
-    Raises:
-        ExtractionError: If extraction fails critically
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> extracted = extract_from_image(stego_bytes, key)
-        >>> len(extracted)
-        1024
     """
-    debug.print(f"Extracting from {len(image_data)} byte image")
+    debug.print(f"extract_from_image: mode={embed_mode}")
+    
+    # AUTO MODE: Try LSB first, then DCT
+    if embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_AUTO:
+        result = _extract_lsb(image_data, pixel_key, bits_per_channel)
+        if result is not None:
+            debug.print("Auto-detect: LSB extraction succeeded")
+            return result
+        
+        if has_dct_support():
+            debug.print("Auto-detect: LSB failed, trying DCT")
+            result = _extract_dct(image_data, pixel_key)
+            if result is not None:
+                debug.print("Auto-detect: DCT extraction succeeded")
+                return result
+        
+        debug.print("Auto-detect: All modes failed")
+        return None
+    
+    # EXPLICIT DCT MODE
+    elif embed_mode == EMBED_MODE_DCT:
+        if not has_dct_support():
+            raise ImportError("scipy required for DCT mode")
+        return _extract_dct(image_data, pixel_key)
+    
+    # EXPLICIT LSB MODE
+    else:
+        return _extract_lsb(image_data, pixel_key, bits_per_channel)
+
+
+def _extract_dct(image_data: bytes, pixel_key: bytes) -> Optional[bytes]:
+    """Extract using DCT mode."""
+    try:
+        dct_mod = _get_dct_module()
+        return dct_mod.extract_from_dct(image_data, pixel_key)
+    except Exception as e:
+        debug.print(f"DCT extraction failed: {e}")
+        return None
+
+
+def _extract_lsb(
+    image_data: bytes,
+    pixel_key: bytes,
+    bits_per_channel: int = 1
+) -> Optional[bytes]:
+    """
+    Extract using LSB mode (internal implementation).
+    """
+    debug.print(f"LSB extracting from {len(image_data)} byte image")
     debug.data(pixel_key, "Pixel key for extraction")
     debug.validate(bits_per_channel in (1, 2),
                 f"bits_per_channel must be 1 or 2, got {bits_per_channel}")
@@ -449,8 +737,7 @@ def extract_from_image(
         img_file = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
         debug.print(f"Image: {img_file.size[0]}x{img_file.size[1]}, format: {img_file.format}")
         
-        # Convert to RGB
+        img = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file.copy()
-        img: Image.Image = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file.copy()
         if img_file.mode != 'RGB':
             debug.print(f"Converting image from {img_file.mode} to RGB")
         
@@ -460,7 +747,6 @@ def extract_from_image(
         
         debug.print(f"Image has {num_pixels} pixels, {bits_per_pixel} bits/pixel")
         
-        # First, extract enough to get the length (4 bytes = 32 bits)
         initial_pixels = (32 + bits_per_pixel - 1) // bits_per_pixel + 10
         debug.print(f"Extracting initial {initial_pixels} pixels to find length")
         
@@ -473,7 +759,6 @@ def extract_from_image(
                 for bit_pos in range(bits_per_channel - 1, -1, -1):
                     binary_data += str((channel >> bit_pos) & 1)
         
-        # Parse length
         try:
             length_bits = binary_data[:32]
             if len(length_bits) < 32:
@@ -486,13 +771,11 @@ def extract_from_image(
             debug.print(f"Failed to parse length: {e}")
             return None
         
-        # Sanity check
         max_possible = (num_pixels * bits_per_pixel) // 8 - 4
         if data_length > max_possible or data_length < 10:
             debug.print(f"Invalid data length: {data_length} (max possible: {max_possible})")
             return None
         
-        # Extract full data
         total_bits = (4 + data_length) * 8
         pixels_needed = (total_bits + bits_per_pixel - 1) // bits_per_pixel
         
@@ -519,63 +802,21 @@ def extract_from_image(
             if len(byte_bits) == 8:
                 data_bytes.append(int(byte_bits, 2))
         
-        debug.print(f"Successfully extracted {len(data_bytes)} bytes")
+        debug.print(f"LSB successfully extracted {len(data_bytes)} bytes")
         return bytes(data_bytes)
         
     except Exception as e:
-        debug.exception(e, "extract_from_image")
+        debug.exception(e, "extract_lsb")
-        raise ExtractionError(f"Failed to extract data: {e}") from e
+        return None
 
 
-def calculate_capacity(image_data: bytes, bits_per_channel: int = 1) -> int:
+# =============================================================================
-    """
+# UTILITY FUNCTIONS
-    Calculate the maximum message capacity of an image.
+# =============================================================================
-    
-    Args:
-        image_data: Image bytes
-        bits_per_channel: Bits to use per color channel
-        
-    Returns:
-        Maximum bytes that can be embedded (minus overhead)
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> capacity = calculate_capacity(image_bytes)
-        >>> capacity
-        12000
-    """
-    debug.validate(bits_per_channel in (1, 2),
-                f"bits_per_channel must be 1 or 2, got {bits_per_channel}")
-    
-    img_file = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
-    img: Image.Image = img_file.convert('RGB') if img_file.mode != 'RGB' else img_file
-    
-    num_pixels = img.size[0] * img.size[1]
-    bits_per_pixel = 3 * bits_per_channel
-    max_bytes = (num_pixels * bits_per_pixel) // 8
-    
-    # Subtract overhead: 4 bytes length + ~100 bytes header
-    capacity = max(0, max_bytes - ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD)
-    debug.print(f"Image capacity: {capacity} bytes at {bits_per_channel} bit(s)/channel")
-    return capacity
-
 
 def get_image_dimensions(image_data: bytes) -> Tuple[int, int]:
-    """
+    """Get image dimensions without loading full image."""
-    Get image dimensions without loading full image.
-    
-    Args:
-        image_data: Image bytes
-        
-    Returns:
-        Tuple of (width, height)
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> width, height = get_image_dimensions(image_bytes)
-        >>> width, height
-        (800, 600)
-    """
     debug.validate(len(image_data) > 0, "Image data cannot be empty")
-    
     img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
     dimensions = img.size
     debug.print(f"Image dimensions: {dimensions[0]}x{dimensions[1]}")
@@ -583,20 +824,7 @@ def get_image_dimensions(image_data: bytes) -> Tuple[int, int]:
 
 
 def get_image_format(image_data: bytes) -> Optional[str]:
-    """
+    """Get image format (PIL format string like 'PNG', 'JPEG')."""
-    Get image format (PIL format string like 'PNG', 'JPEG').
-    
-    Args:
-        image_data: Image bytes
-        
-    Returns:
-        Format string or None if invalid
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> format = get_image_format(image_bytes)
-        >>> format
-        'PNG'
-    """
     try:
         img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(image_data))
         format_str = img.format
@@ -608,19 +836,7 @@ def get_image_format(image_data: bytes) -> Optional[str]:
 
 
 def is_lossless_format(image_data: bytes) -> bool:
-    """
+    """Check if image is in a lossless format suitable for steganography."""
-    Check if image is in a lossless format suitable for steganography.
-    
-    Args:
-        image_data: Image bytes
-        
-    Returns:
-        True if format is lossless (PNG, BMP, TIFF)
-        
-    Example:
-        >>> is_lossless_format(image_bytes)
-        True
-    """
     fmt = get_image_format(image_data)
     is_lossless = fmt is not None and fmt.upper() in LOSSLESS_FORMATS
     debug.print(f"Image is lossless: {is_lossless} (format: {fmt})")