1. A method for creating a message template used for embedding hidden messages, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a message template performance metric comprising a dispersal measure having both a spatial domain function and a frequency domain function; (b) developing a numerical optimization algorithm containing the message template performance metric as a basis for optimization; (c) determining the message template geometric configuration comprising: (i) determining a message template capacity (ii) determining a message template area; (d) applying the numerical optimization algorithm to the message template geometric configuration which results in an optimal message template.