How to Use the Hash Generator
- Choose the Hash Text tab to hash a string, or Hash File to hash a local file.
- Type or paste your text — hashes update automatically as you type.
- For files, drag and drop or click the upload area to select any file up to 100 MB.
- All five algorithms (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) are shown simultaneously.
- Toggle between lowercase and uppercase hex output with the hex / HEX button.
- Click any copy icon to copy a specific hash to your clipboard.
When to Use Each Algorithm
- MD5 — Legacy checksums and non-security uses. Fast but cryptographically broken; do not use for passwords or signatures.
- SHA-1 — Deprecated for security use. Still common in older Git commits and certificate fingerprints.
- SHA-256 — The modern standard. Use for file integrity checks, digital signatures, and API authentication.
- SHA-384 — Truncated SHA-512. Used in TLS certificates and when a slightly longer hash is preferred.
- SHA-512 — Maximum SHA-2 strength. Good for high-security contexts and password hashing (combined with a salt).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my text or file sent to a server?
No. MD5 is computed using the @noble/hashes library, and SHA-* hashes use the browser's built-in Web Crypto API. Everything runs locally — your data never leaves your device.
Can I hash large files?
Yes. The tool supports files up to 100 MB. The entire file is read into memory using the File API and hashed client-side. Very large files may take a second or two.
Are these hashes suitable for storing passwords?
No. General-purpose hash functions like SHA-256 are designed to be fast, which makes them vulnerable to brute-force attacks on passwords. Use a dedicated password hashing algorithm like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for passwords.
How do I verify a file download?
Switch to the Hash File tab, drop your downloaded file, and compare the SHA-256 hash shown here against the checksum published by the software author. If they match, the file is intact and unmodified.