Hash Generator - MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512
Free online hash generator for developers. Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and HMAC hashes instantly in your browser. Perfect for checksums, file integrity, and password hashing.
Security Notice
For security-critical applications: MD5 and SHA-1 are considered cryptographically weak and should not be used for password hashing or security-sensitive applications. Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for better security. For password storage, consider using specialized algorithms like bcrypt, scrypt, or argon2 in your application backend.
👆 Enter text above to generate hash
Or click "Load Example" below to see how it works. You can also switch to File Input to hash a file. All processing happens in your browser - your data never leaves your device.
How to Use This Hash Generator
Using our hash generator is simple. First, select your desired hash algorithm from the available options: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, or SHA-512. Each algorithm produces different length hashes with varying security levels. Then choose whether to hash text or a file. For text input, simply type or paste your content, and the hash will be generated automatically. For file input, either drag and drop a file or click to browse your computer.
For added security, you can enable HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) mode by checking the HMAC checkbox and entering a secret key. HMAC adds cryptographic authentication to your hash, making it suitable for verifying data integrity and authenticity. Once your hash is generated, you can copy it to your clipboard, download it as a text file, or save it to your local history for future reference.
All hashing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security. No account registration, no data storage on our servers, no tracking – just fast, secure hashing whenever you need it.
Common Use Cases for Hash Generation
Hash functions are cryptographic algorithms that transform input data of any size into a fixed-size output (the hash). They're fundamental to modern security and data integrity verification. Common use cases include file integrity checking (comparing checksums to verify downloads haven't been corrupted), password storage (storing hashed passwords instead of plaintext), digital signatures, and data deduplication.
Developers use hash generators to verify file integrity after downloads or transfers, generate unique identifiers for data, implement caching mechanisms, check for duplicate content, and debug authentication systems. Security professionals use them during penetration testing, forensic analysis, and when comparing file hashes against known malware databases. System administrators use hash verification to ensure software packages and updates haven't been tampered with.
Different hash algorithms serve different purposes: MD5 (128-bit, fast but cryptographically broken), SHA-1 (160-bit, deprecated for security), SHA-256 (256-bit, currently recommended), and SHA-512 (512-bit, maximum security). HMAC mode adds a secret key to the hashing process, making it suitable for API authentication, message integrity verification, and secure token generation.
Why Use Our Hash Generator?
Privacy First
Your data never leaves your browser. All hashing happens client-side using the Web Crypto API, ensuring complete privacy and security for sensitive data and files.
Lightning Fast
Instant hash generation using native browser APIs. Handles large files efficiently. Supports multiple algorithms and HMAC mode. Works offline once loaded.
Reliable & Free
No signup, no payment, no limitations – completely free forever. Built with Web Crypto API for secure, standard-compliant hashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512?
MD5 and SHA-1 are older, faster algorithms but are considered cryptographically broken for security purposes. SHA-256 and SHA-512 are part of the SHA-2 family and are currently secure and widely recommended. SHA-512 produces longer hashes (128 characters) than SHA-256 (64 characters), offering stronger collision resistance. For security-sensitive applications, always use SHA-256 or SHA-512.
Can I use MD5 or SHA-1 for password hashing?
No! MD5 and SHA-1 should never be used for password hashing. They are vulnerable to collision attacks and are too fast, making brute-force attacks feasible. For password hashing, use specialized algorithms like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2. This tool is designed for file integrity checks, checksums, and non-security-critical use cases only.
What is HMAC and when should I use it?
HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) combines a hash function with a secret key to verify both data integrity and authenticity. Use HMAC when you need to ensure data hasn't been tampered with and comes from a trusted source. It's commonly used in API authentication (like webhook signatures), JWT tokens, and secure message transmission. The secret key must be kept private and shared only between trusted parties.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes, absolutely. All hashing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your text and files never leave your device or get sent to any server. This means you can safely hash sensitive files, passwords (though we don't recommend this tool for password hashing), or confidential data without privacy concerns.
Can I hash large files with this tool?
Yes, the tool can handle large files. Since processing happens in your browser, the main limitation is your device's memory and processing power. For very large files (hundreds of megabytes or more), you may experience a delay, but the hashing will complete successfully. The tool uses efficient streaming techniques to minimize memory usage.
How do I verify file integrity using hashes?
To verify file integrity, first generate a hash of the original file and save it. Later, generate a hash of the file again and compare the two hashes. If they match exactly, the file hasn't been modified. If they differ even by one character, the file has been altered. This tool includes a hash comparison feature that highlights differences character-by-character for easy verification.
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