Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, or SHA-512 hashes from text or files.
File Hash
What the Hash Generator does
A hash function takes any input - a word, a long document or an entire file - and produces a fixed-length string of characters called a digest. The same input always yields the same digest, while even a one-character change produces a completely different result. This tool generates MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 hashes from text you type or from a file you select.
Hashes are used to verify that downloads have not been corrupted or tampered with, to compare files without sharing their contents, to index data, and as a building block in many security systems. Developers, IT professionals and anyone checking a file checksum will find this a quick, no-install way to compute a digest.
How to use it
First choose an algorithm from the dropdown - SHA-256 is selected by default and is a good general choice. To hash text, type or paste it into the Text Input box and click Generate Hash; the digest appears below with a Copy button. To hash a file, use the Choose File button in the File Hash section and the digest is computed from the file you pick.
You can switch algorithms at any time and re-generate. The SHA family of hashes is produced using the browser's built-in Web Crypto API, while MD5 is computed with a bundled JavaScript implementation, so all four options work the same way from your point of view.
Choosing an algorithm
SHA-256 and SHA-512 are modern, secure choices and are recommended when integrity or security matters. SHA-1 and MD5 are older and are considered cryptographically broken for security purposes because collisions can be engineered, but they remain common for quick, non-security checksums and for compatibility with legacy systems. Pick the algorithm that matches what you are verifying - for example, use the same one published alongside a download you want to check.