MD5 and SHA-1 are deprecated for security — use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for cryptographic integrity. Do not use plain hashing for password storage; use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2.

Hash Generator

Hash text or files with MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 entirely in your browser. Verify checksums against expected values.

Browser-side hashingNo uploadsNo data storedUses Web Crypto APIs

Hash output

SHA-256hex

—

Characters: 0Bytes (UTF-8): 0Lines: 0
Output algorithms
Output format

Verify checksum

Paste the expected hash from a download page or manifest. Comparison is case-insensitive.

MD5 and SHA-1 are legacy algorithms — fine for accidental corruption checks, not for security. Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for integrity and signatures.

Developer workflow

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By Muhammad Abdullah Rauf · Founder, EverydayTools.proUpdated 2026-06-02· Reviewed by EverydayTools Editorial Team

What is a hash generator?

A hash generator computes one-way digests (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) from text or files—locally in your browser.

This hash generator computes cryptographic digests from text or uploaded files using Web Crypto (SHA family) and standards-compliant MD5 (RFC 1321). Output hex or Base64 digests, verify against an expected checksum, and copy results—all without uploading data to a server.

Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for integrity checks; MD5 and SHA-1 are legacy only.

Quick answers

Concise answers for common searches — definitions, steps, and comparisons.

What does Hash Generator do?

Generates MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 digests from text or files in your browser with checksum verification.

Is Hash Generator private?

Yes—all hashing runs locally. Files are not uploaded; Web Crypto and RFC 1321 MD5 execute in your browser.

How to use Hash Generator

  1. Choose text or file input

    Type or paste text, or drag and drop a file. File content is read locally—nothing is uploaded to EverydayTools servers.

  2. Select algorithms and output format

    Generate all supported hashes or pick a single algorithm (e.g. SHA-256 only). Choose hex (default) or Base64 output.

  3. Copy the digest

    Copy a single hash, all digests, or the full verification report. The primary hash appears in the result panel with an algorithm badge.

  4. Verify a checksum

    Paste the expected hash from a software vendor or package manifest. The tool highlights match or mismatch for each algorithm.

Hash Generator examples

hello (text)

Empty string

Who uses Hash Generator?

Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.

Verify software downloads

Hash a downloaded installer and compare SHA-256 to the publisher checksum before running the file.

Debug API payloads

Hash request bodies or config strings to compare environments without exposing raw secrets elsewhere.

File integrity checks

Generate MD5 or SHA-256 digests for backups and archives when mirroring legacy checksum formats.

Workflow guides

Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.

Verify a downloaded file's integrity

  1. Download the file and note the SHA-256 checksum from the vendor's website.
  2. Open Hash Generator and switch to the File tab.
  3. Drop the file or browse to select it—processed entirely in your browser.
  4. Ensure SHA-256 is selected (or use All hashes).
  5. Paste the vendor checksum into Verify checksum.
  6. A match confirms the file was not corrupted or tampered with during download.

Confirm tool correctness with test vectors

  1. Expand Test vectors in the tool UI.
  2. Click Try: hello.
  3. Compare MD5 and SHA-256 output to the known reference values.
  4. Repeat with empty string or quick brown fox if needed.

Reference tables

Hash Algorithm Comparison

Reference guide for choosing the right hash algorithm.

AlgorithmOutput LengthSpeedSecurity StatusUse When
MD5128 bits (32 hex)Very fastBroken (collisions)Legacy checksums only; not for security
SHA-1160 bits (40 hex)FastDeprecated by NISTLegacy compatibility only
SHA-256256 bits (64 hex)FastSecure (2026)Default for integrity, signatures, downloads
SHA-384384 bits (96 hex)ModerateSecure (2026)When SHA-2 with larger digest required
SHA-512512 bits (128 hex)ModerateSecure (2026)High-security applications, larger margin
bcrypt/Argon2Encoded stringIntentionally slowSecurePassword storage (not a plain hash)

For new integrity workflows, use SHA-256 minimum. Never store passwords with a plain hash.

Best practices

Match the publisher's algorithm

Compare full digests

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512?

MD5 (128-bit, 32 hex chars): fast legacy checksum—broken for security since 2004. SHA-1 (160-bit): deprecated by NIST—collision attacks demonstrated. SHA-256 (256-bit): modern default for integrity, Git-like workflows, and APIs. SHA-384 (384-bit): SHA-2 family, longer digest than SHA-256. SHA-512 (512-bit): highest SHA-2 margin, 128 hex characters. This tool implements all five with standards-compliant algorithms.

How do I verify a downloaded file checksum?

Upload the file to this hash generator (processed in-browser only). Select SHA-256 (or the algorithm the vendor specifies). Copy the generated digest and compare it to the checksum on the download page. Paste the expected value into Verify checksum—the tool shows ✓ Match or ✗ Does not match.

Is my input sent to a server?

No. Text hashing uses Web Crypto and RFC 1321 MD5 in your browser. Files are read with the File API locally. No data is transmitted to EverydayTools servers.

What test vectors can I use to verify correctness?

Open Test vectors and try hello: MD5 = 5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592, SHA-256 = 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824. Empty string and the quick brown fox sentence are also included.

Should I use SHA-256 or SHA-512?

SHA-256 is the practical default—widely supported by package managers, cloud APIs, and download pages. SHA-512 offers a larger digest when your spec requires it. Follow the algorithm named on the vendor checksum; otherwise prefer SHA-256.

Can I use hashing to store passwords?

Not with plain SHA-256 or MD5. Password storage needs a slow, salted KDF: bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2. This tool is for checksums and integrity verification, not credential storage.

Why is MD5 still listed?

Many legacy systems and download mirrors still publish MD5 checksums. This tool implements real RFC 1321 MD5 so you can verify those digests—but do not use MD5 for any new security application.

What output formats are supported?

Hex (lowercase, default) and Base64. Hex is standard for published checksums; Base64 is useful when integrating with APIs or binary-safe transports.

How are large files handled?

Files are hashed in-browser. Large inputs use a Web Worker so the UI stays responsive. Tested for multi-megabyte files without uploading to a server.

Privacy, accuracy, and trust

Privacy

Hash Generator processes text and files on your device—inputs are not uploaded to EverydayTools servers.

Do not hash passwords without a proper salt and slow KDF (e.g. bcrypt, Argon2).

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Reviewed by EverydayTools Editorial Team on 2026-06-02.