Hash Generator
Free online hash generator. Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and SHA-3-256 hashes from text or files instantly in your browser. No signup. Nothing is sent to any server.
How to Use the Hash Generator
Type or paste any text into the input field and all five hash values appear instantly. Switch to File mode to hash any file — useful for verifying a download against a published checksum. Click Compare on any hash row to paste an expected hash and see instantly whether they match. Use Copy All to grab all hashes at once for documentation or verification records.
About This Tool
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and SHA-3-256 hashes from text or files entirely in your browser. SHA-256 and SHA-512 use the native Web Crypto API for maximum speed. MD5 and SHA-3-256 use lightweight JavaScript libraries loaded lazily on first use. The Compare feature lets you verify file downloads against published checksums — essential for confirming software integrity. HMAC (keyed hashing) is also supported for API authentication and webhook verification. Zero server communication — your data never leaves your device. Related: URL Encoder / Decoder for encoding data in URLs, Password Generator for creating strong passwords.
Quick Reference Table
| Algorithm | Output Length | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128-bit / 32 hex chars | Legacy — avoid for security |
| SHA-1 | 160-bit / 40 hex chars | Legacy — avoid for security |
| SHA-256 | 256-bit / 64 hex chars | Current standard |
| SHA-512 | 512-bit / 128 hex chars | High security |
| SHA-3-256 | 256-bit / 64 hex chars | Modern standard (Keccak) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my text or file sent to a server?
No. All hashing runs in your browser using the native Web Crypto API and small JavaScript libraries. Your input never leaves your device.
Can I reverse a hash to find the original input?
No. Cryptographic hash functions are designed to be one-way — there is no algorithm to reverse them. Common short inputs can be looked up in rainbow tables, which is why passwords should use dedicated hashing functions like bcrypt.
Why does changing one character completely change the hash?
This is called the avalanche effect — a deliberate property of cryptographic hash functions. It ensures similar inputs produce completely different outputs.
Why is MD5 shown as LEGACY?
MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities. It remains useful for non-security purposes like checking file corruption, but should not be used for security-sensitive applications.
What encoding should I use for text hashing?
UTF-8 is correct for almost every use case and is the default. Use UTF-16 only when comparing against a hash generated by a system that explicitly used UTF-16 encoding.