How can I generate MD5 or SHA-256 hashes online for free?

Type or paste your text into the Hash Generator and it instantly computes MD5, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 digests side by side. Everything runs in your browser, so your input never leaves your device.

What is a hash function?

A hash function turns any input into a fixed-length fingerprint. The same input always gives the same hash, but even a one-character change produces a completely different one, and the input cannot be recovered from the hash.

When should I use MD5 vs SHA-256?

MD5 is fine for non-security checksums like verifying file integrity, but it is broken against deliberate attacks. For passwords, signatures, or anything adversarial, use SHA-256 or stronger.

Why does the tool offer several algorithms?

Different jobs need different hashes: MD5 for legacy checksums, SHA-256 as the modern default, SHA-384 and SHA-512 for longer digests. Generating them side by side makes comparison easy.

Can I hash a file with this tool?

This version hashes text. File hashing reads the file bytes locally; it is on the roadmap as a companion feature.

Is my text uploaded anywhere?

No. All hashing runs in your browser: SHA via WebCrypto and MD5 via a built-in implementation. Nothing leaves your device.

WEBSITE SECURITY TOOLS · FREE ONLINE TOOL

Hash Generator

MD5, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes computed in your browserThe file you received may not be byte-for-byte identical to the file that was sent. Paste any text and get its MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 digests in one pass, no signup, no waiting.

✓ Free to use✓ No sign-up✓ Ready in your browser

// HASH GENERATOR · GET STARTED

Use Hash Generator

MD5, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes computed in your browser

Text to hash (UTF-8)

Algorithms

MD5SHA-256SHA-384SHA-512

// HASH GENERATOR · HOW IT WORKS

How to use the Hash Generator

Enter text

Type or paste the text you want to hash.

Pick algorithms

Tick the algorithms you need.

Copy hashes

Click "Generate Hashes" and copy any result.

// HASH GENERATOR · ABOUT THIS TOOL

About the Hash Generator

This generator computes MD5, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 side by side, with correct UTF-8 encoding so non-English text hashes exactly as it should.

SHA variants use the browser WebCrypto API, and everything runs locally, which is the only sane way to hash anything sensitive.

Where it helps most

Small certainty for jobs where it matters.

Verifying downloads

Compare the vendor's published hash against your download; an exact match means intact and untampered.

Catching content drift

Hash both copies of a config or data file instead of eyeballing diffs across environments.

Backup verification

Hash a backup before and after a restore to confirm the data came back byte for byte.

Test vectors

Generate known digests quickly when building or testing checksum logic in your code.

Choosing wisely

What the algorithms are actually for.

SHA-256 for anything serious

The right default today; MD5 and SHA-1 have practical collision attacks and are unsafe for security decisions.

MD5 for legacy checksums

Many vendors still publish MD5, so compare legacy checksums against a modern SHA-256 digest side by side.

Hashes are not password storage

Passwords need slow, salted algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2, a different job from these fast checksums.

Hash Generator: built for trust

Four digests computed in one pass with no signup and no waiting. Free for every verification job.

// HASH GENERATOR · COMMON QUESTIONS

Hash Generator FAQs

What is a hash, exactly?

A fixed-length fingerprint computed from data. Change even one character of the input and the hash changes completely, which is why comparing two hashes is a reliable way to prove two files are identical.

Which hash algorithm should I use?

Are MD5 and SHA-1 still safe?

How do I verify a download with a hash?

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