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Hash Generator (MD5, SHA1, SHA256)

Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes from text. Uses the Web Crypto API.

Click any hash to copy

What is a Hash Generator?

A hash generator creates fixed-size cryptographic fingerprints from any input data. These hashes are used throughout software development for password storage, data integrity verification, digital signatures, and content addressing. Our tool supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 — the most commonly used hash algorithms.

Each hash function produces a unique, fixed-length output regardless of input size. Even a tiny change in the input produces a completely different hash (the “avalanche effect”), making hashes ideal for detecting tampering or verifying downloads.

How to Use This Hash Generator

  1. Enter your text in the input field
  2. Select the hash algorithm — MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, or SHA-512
  3. View the generated hash instantly
  4. Copy the hash to use for verification, storage, or comparison
  5. Compare hashes by generating both and checking if they match

Common Use Cases

  • Verifying file downloads — Compare the SHA-256 hash of a downloaded file against the publisher’s checksum
  • Password hashing — Generate hashes for testing (use bcrypt/Argon2 for production password storage)
  • Data integrity checks — Detect if files or messages have been altered during transmission
  • Cache busting — Generate content hashes for static assets to force browser cache updates
  • Git internals — Git uses SHA-1 hashes to identify every commit, tree, and blob

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MD5 still safe to use?

MD5 is cryptographically broken — collisions can be generated easily. Don’t use MD5 for security purposes (passwords, signatures). It’s still acceptable for non-security uses like checksums, cache keys, or deduplication where collision attacks aren’t a concern.

What hash algorithm should I use?

For general-purpose hashing, use SHA-256. For password storage, use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 (not raw SHA). For file integrity, SHA-256 or SHA-512 provide strong guarantees.

Can I reverse a hash back to the original text?

No. Hash functions are one-way by design. You cannot mathematically reverse a hash. However, weak or common passwords can be found using rainbow tables or brute force, which is why password hashing uses salts and slow algorithms.