What is an Ambigram? A Complete Beginner's Guide

Published on November 6, 2025 by The Ambigram Team

If you've ever seen a piece of writing that looked the same when flipped upside down, you've witnessed the magic of an ambigram. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? This guide will introduce you to the art of ambigrams, their history, and the different types you can find.

What is an Ambigram?

An **ambigram** is a word, phrase, or design that can be read in more than one way. It's a form of typographical art that plays with optical illusions, symmetry, and visual perception to create a captivating and thought-provoking effect. The word "ambigram" itself is a combination of the Latin prefix "ambi-" (meaning "both") and "-gram" (meaning "writing").

A Brief History of Ambigrams

While the concept of symmetrical writing has existed for centuries, the term "ambigram" was coined in the 1970s by Douglas Hofstadter, a professor of cognitive science. However, the art form was popularized by artist and designer John Langdon, whose work was featured prominently in Dan Brown's novel *Angels & Demons*. The book's plot revolves around a secret society that uses ambigrams as their calling card, which brought this unique art form to the attention of millions.

The Most Common Type: Rotational Ambigrams

The most popular style is the **rotational ambigram**. This design reads the same when rotated 180 degrees. A word like "NOON," for example, is a natural rotational ambigram. Creating one for a non-symmetrical word like "FAMILY" requires artistic skill to make each letter pair (like F/Y) look like the other when flipped.

This is the primary style our main generator simulates. It's a fun way to explore the concept of rotational symmetry.

Other Types of Ambigrams

While rotation is common, it's not the only type:

• Mirror Ambigrams: These designs read the same when viewed in a mirror. They rely on the vertical symmetry of letters.
• Flip-Script Ambigrams: A specific style of rotational ambigram, often done in a flowing, calligraphic script.
• Perceptual Shift Ambigrams: The design can be read as two different words depending on how you look at it (e.g., "LOVE" and "LIFE"). This type is also known as a figure-ground ambigram.
• Chain Ambigrams: A design where the letters are linked together in a repeating chain. The word can be read over and over again by moving from one letter to the next.

Ambigrams are a fantastic blend of logic and art. They challenge us to see letters and words not just as carriers of meaning, but as shapes and forms. Ready to try making one yourself?