> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pulse.domains/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pulse.domains/deep-dives/homoglyphs.md).

# Homoglyphs

<figure><img src="/files/LsoaSU8Gqqhqc0TtLqI7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What are Homoglyphs in PNS Domain Names?&#x20;

#### **Homoglyphs: Tricky Look-Alike Characters**

* Imagine you see two names: `vitalik.pls` and `vita‍lik.pls`. They look almost the same, right? But they're not! This trick is called using homoglyphs - characters that look similar but are actually different.

### **Why Homoglyphs Matter**

* When sending crypto or dealing with domain names, these look-alikes can be confusing. One might be real, and the other a fake.

### **How to Spot the Difference**

* **Using a Unicode Analyzer**: This is a [tool](https://www.fontspace.com/unicode/analyzer) that helps you see the hidden details in a name. It can show you if there's an invisible or different character.
* **Zero-Width Joiners**: These are invisible characters sometimes used in emojis. For example, a heart emoji might be made of a heart symbol plus a fire symbol, glued together by an invisible joiner.&#x20;
* **Variation Selectors**: These are used to change how emojis look, like making a heart red instead of black and white.

<figure><img src="/files/Sy415E7grc0KbhlSFydJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}

### **Be Careful with .pls Names Outside the Official dApp**

* In PNS, variation selectors are removed to avoid confusion. But when dealing with domains outside the official app, these tricky characters can sneak in.
  {% endhint %}

### **Confusable Characters**

* Some characters look very similar, like the letter 'e' from different alphabets. These can be used to create names that look identical but are actually different.

### **What Can You Do?**

* **Use Warning Signs**: Many services will show warning symbols next to names with unusual characters.
* **Check Prices**: If a domain name looks too good to be true (like a popular name at a low price), it might be a fake. Always double-check by pasting it into the official dApp or via the [unicode analyzer](https://www.fontspace.com/unicode/analyzer).&#x20;

### **Managing Capitals and Numbers**

* In PNS, upper-case letters are turned into lower-case, and some numbers from different languages look the same but are different.

<br>

{% content-ref url="/pages/jglqArCd04sqY1Mhd7Cl" %}
[Domain Registration](/guides/domain-registration.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/oddx5MUnm1j6bEbqvraU" %}
[Updating Your Profile](/guides/updating-your-profile.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/nGsXt5sVj2Mhsxt6ooF7" %}
[Terminology](/terminology.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}