#️⃣ Hash Generator
Generate cryptographic hashes from text or files. Supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. 100% in-browser — your data never leaves your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SHA-256 used for?
SHA-256 is used for data integrity, digital signatures, password hashing pipelines, Bitcoin mining, TLS fingerprints, and file checksums. It's the most widely deployed hash function today.
Is MD5 secure?
No. MD5 is cryptographically broken — collision attacks are practical. Don't use MD5 for security purposes. Use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 is still useful for non-security checksums like detecting accidental corruption.
SHA-256 vs SHA-512?
Both are SHA-2 family. SHA-256 = 32-byte output, faster on 32-bit CPUs. SHA-512 = 64-byte output, faster on 64-bit CPUs. Both are considered cryptographically secure today.
Can I hash a file without uploading it?
Yes. The File Hash tab uses your browser's FileReader and Web Crypto API to hash files entirely locally. The file bytes never leave your computer.
Free Online Hash Generator — SHA-256, SHA-512, MD5 Text & File
Cryptographic hash functions map input data of any size to a fixed-size output called a digest. The same input always produces the same hash; any change to the input — even a single character — produces a completely different hash. This property makes hashes essential for integrity checking, digital signatures, and password storage.
Which Hash Algorithm Should I Use?
For security: use SHA-256 (good balance of speed and security) or SHA-512 (larger output, faster on 64-bit). For legacy compatibility only: SHA-1 (deprecated) or MD5 (broken). Never use MD5 or SHA-1 for new security-critical applications.
Hash vs Encryption
Hashes are one-way — you cannot recover the original input from a hash (without brute force). Encryption is two-way — you can decrypt ciphertext with the right key. Use hashing for passwords and integrity; use encryption for secrets that need to be retrieved later.