How to save a 9-dot grid security pattern

Ask the Community Password Manager
1

Hello!

I’d like to share a simple workaround I created to store that kind of dot-line pattern (usually a 3 x 3 grid). This is common on smartphone lock screen and some apps. In Bitwarden, I use a secure note or the note field of a credential. It isn’t a perfect solution, the alignment sometimes isn’t the best, but it’s kinda easy and useful to me.

Example of use:

•  ← •  ←  •
↓        ↗
•     •     •
↓     ↑  ↙  ↑
•     •     ⦿

This is the template for the grid to copy/paste (adjust extra spaces if necessary):

•          •          •

•          •          •

•          •          •

And here are the arrow symbols I use for directions:

↑ ↓ ← → 
↖ ↘ ↗ ↙

Some possibly relevant alternate symbols, if you need or prefer:

⇗ ⇖ ⇘ ⇙ ⇕ ⇔ ↕ ↔ \ /

It’s optional, but I usually highlight the first dot of the pattern with a different symbol. So far I prefer this one ⦿ , but you can use what you feel that suits better:

⦿ ⦾ ○ ◘ ◙ ◦ ☼ ☻ ➊ ①

If you have Bitwarden premium, instead of doing this trick, perhaps you could just attach a screenshot of the pattern (if the app allows it, which isn’t common).

Do you have any other ideas or suggestions to save patterns in Bitwarden? :slightly_smiling_face:

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2

Hi ludens! This is awesome. So much fun I made a .gif! Trimmed the text slightly for that.
If you don’t mind we might share it on Bitwarden social channels.
bitwarden-9-dot-pattern

2 Likes
3

This is a nice solution. I may use it.

A simple solution I use so far is to match each dot with a number (based on a phone numeric keypad) and just save the numbers. But you can only save patterns for 3x3 grids with this method.

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4

Hey Gary! Sure, go for it! I loved the gif, I feel honored, thanks! :pray:

1 Like
5

Thanks! Interesting approach.

Similar to this, I sometimes use numeric keypad as a visual guide for memorizing certain passwords, like PIN codes. Problem is the numeric layout is different between phone and PC, for example, but it works.

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7

The arrows won’t work well with patterns that backtrack over already pressed dots.

8

Not trying to necro this thread, but it was linked by Bitwarden themselves on Facebook, and I wanted to reply to @LanceHaverkamp - you could start scroll down a bit in the note field and make a new pattern picking up where you left off in the first pattern if you have to have to backtrack or re-use a pattern/point on a pattern.

Ex: If you end in the bottom left, start a new version of the pattern starting in the bottom left. It would require a little scrolling or another screen to reference, but it would be a good way to back up or refer to if needed.

I think I prefer the “grid” method mentioned, but instead of phone number, you could use row/column co-ordinates.

Example:

     A    B    C
1    •    •    •
2    •    •    •
3    •    •    •

So, the original example by @ludens in the first post would be:

C3C2B3B2C1B1A1A2A3

or you could even add hypens to break it up:

C3-C2-B3-B2-C1-B1-A1-A2-A3

Either of those would work in your password field. Not as visual, but would eliminate the “backtracking” problem completely.

2 Likes