What makes a password readable?
For a random-character password, readability means the symbols are visually distinct enough to copy, print, dictate, and type accurately. It does not mean that the result forms a word, sentence, name, or predictable pattern.
What are ambiguous password characters?
Characters such as 0 and O, or 1, l, and I, can look alike in small text, handwriting, printed labels, and some fonts. The default option removes those five characters before any random selection occurs.
Readable is different from memorable
An unambiguous string can still be difficult to memorize because its characters remain independent and random. For a human-memorable result, use the passphrase generator, which selects independent words from a documented list. For a compact result designed to be spoken, use the phonetic password generator.
When exclusions are useful
Removing look-alike characters can reduce transcription errors for router labels, temporary access credentials, support calls, recovery kits, printed device setup cards, and other workflows that require manual entry. Add custom exclusions only when the destination rejects or cannot reliably render specific characters.
Compensate with length
Every exclusion makes the available alphabet smaller. Increase the password length when possible, preserve random selection, and use each generated value for only one account. The strength estimate on this page recalculates from the actual remaining alphabet.
Can I remove every symbol?
Yes. Disable symbols to create a readable alphanumeric password, or use the dedicated alphanumeric password generator. Keep uppercase, lowercase, and numbers enabled when the destination accepts them so the remaining alphabet stays broad.