Hash Generator (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512)
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 hashes from text or files instantly — all four at once, computed locally in your browser.
About the Hash Generator (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512)
This hash generator computes MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 digests simultaneously, updating live as you type. Paste any text and all four hashes appear in a second, each with its own copy button — no picking an algorithm first, no clicking generate.
The File tab hashes any file — an installer, a ZIP archive, an ISO image — so you can verify a download against the checksum published by its author. The file is read locally with the browser's file API and hashed in memory; it is never uploaded, which also means large files hash as fast as your machine allows.
SHA algorithms use the native Web Crypto engine for speed and correctness, while MD5 (which Web Crypto deliberately omits) is computed with a compact built-in implementation of the standard RFC 1321 algorithm.
How to Use the Hash Generator (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512)
- 1Choose the Text or File tab.
- 2Type or paste text — all four hashes update live.
- 3Or select a file to compute its checksums.
- 4Copy any hash with its copy button and compare it to the expected value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a downloaded file's checksum?
Open the File tab, select the downloaded file, and compare the computed hash against the checksum published on the download page (most projects publish SHA-256). If even one character differs, the file is corrupted or has been tampered with and you should re-download it from the official source. Comparison is easiest if you paste both values side by side.
Is MD5 still safe to use?
Not for security. MD5 has been cryptographically broken since 2004 — attackers can manufacture two different files with the same MD5 hash — so it must never be used for passwords, signatures or certificates. It remains fine for non-adversarial jobs: detecting accidental corruption, deduplicating files and matching legacy checksums, which is why it is still offered here.
What is the difference between SHA-256 and SHA-512?
Both belong to the SHA-2 family and are considered secure. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64 hex character) digest and is the de-facto standard for file checksums, TLS certificates and Bitcoin. SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (128 character) digest and is actually faster on 64-bit CPUs. For most verification tasks SHA-256 is the conventional choice.
Are my text and files uploaded to a server for hashing?
No. SHA hashes are computed by your browser's built-in Web Crypto API and MD5 by JavaScript running on your device. Nothing is transmitted, so hashing confidential documents, source code or credentials is safe — and the tool keeps working with no internet connection.
Can I use these hashes to store passwords?
No — plain MD5, SHA-1 and even SHA-256 are far too fast for password storage, making brute-force attacks cheap. Passwords should be hashed with a deliberately slow, salted algorithm like bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 on the server. This tool is for checksums, cache keys, deduplication and integrity verification.