online hash generator

How to use the online hash generator

  1. Paste text or upload a file — the hash computes in your browser using the Web Crypto API.
  2. Pick one or more algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512.
  3. Copy the hash, or download all hashes in a single text file.
  4. For file integrity checks, compare the generated hash with the expected value from the source.

When to use it

Use SHA-256 for file integrity verification (checksum published alongside a download). Use SHA-512 when you need longer output for key derivation. Don't use MD5 or SHA-1 for security-critical applications — they're cryptographically broken. They're fine for non-security use cases like cache keys or short fingerprints.

Frequently asked questions

Is MD5 still safe to use?
Not for security. Collisions can be computed in minutes on modern hardware. It's still fine for non-security checksums like cache invalidation or content-addressed storage.
Does the file actually upload?
No. Hashing runs entirely in your browser via crypto.subtle.digest. The file never leaves your device.
What's the difference between SHA-256 and SHA-512?
Output length (256 vs 512 bits). SHA-512 is slightly faster on 64-bit CPUs and produces a longer hash, but SHA-256 output is sufficient for virtually all integrity and fingerprint use cases.
Can I generate HMAC or PBKDF2?
Not from this tool. HMAC requires a secret key; PBKDF2 requires salt + iteration count. Use a dedicated crypto CLI (openssl, node crypto) when you need those.

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Last updated: 2026-04-22