Hash Generator

Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes instantly

Generate Hash from Text

Generate Hash from File

Drag and drop a file here or click to select

About Hash Generator

A hash function is a mathematical algorithm that converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of bytes. The output, called a hash value or digest, is unique to each unique input. Hash functions are fundamental to modern cryptography, data integrity verification, and security applications. Our free Hash Generator tool allows you to instantly generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes for both text and files.

Whether you're a developer verifying file integrity, a security professional testing password hashes, or simply curious about cryptographic functions, this tool provides fast, accurate hash generation with support for HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) for added security.

Key Features

Understanding Hash Functions

Hash functions are deterministic, meaning the same input will always produce the same output. They are also one-way functions, meaning you cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. This makes them ideal for storing passwords, verifying file integrity, and creating digital signatures.

The hash value is typically represented as a hexadecimal string. For example, the SHA-256 hash of "hello" is "2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824". Even a tiny change in the input produces a completely different hash, making it easy to detect tampering.

Hash Algorithm Comparison

Common Use Cases

What is HMAC?

HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) combines a hash function with a secret key to create a message authentication code. Unlike regular hashes, HMAC requires knowledge of the secret key to verify the authenticity of a message. This makes it ideal for API authentication, secure communications, and protecting against tampering.

To use HMAC, both parties must share the same secret key. The sender generates an HMAC using the message and key, then sends both the message and HMAC. The receiver generates their own HMAC using the received message and their copy of the key. If the HMACs match, the message is authentic and hasn't been modified.

Security Recommendations

How to Use This Tool

For Text Hashing: Simply paste your text into the input field and click "Generate Hashes". All five hash algorithms will be computed simultaneously and displayed below. You can copy any hash with a single click.

For File Hashing: Drag and drop a file onto the drop zone, or click to select a file. The tool will process the file and generate all hash variants. A progress bar shows the hashing progress for large files.

For HMAC: Check the "Use HMAC" checkbox and enter your secret key. The hashes will be generated using your key, creating message authentication codes instead of regular hashes.

Privacy and Security

All hashing is performed locally in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your text and files are never sent to any server. This ensures complete privacy and security of your data. You can use this tool with confidence, even for sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256?

MD5 produces a 128-bit hash, SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash, and SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash. Longer hashes are generally more secure. MD5 and SHA-1 have known vulnerabilities and are considered cryptographically broken. SHA-256 is the current standard for security-critical applications.

Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?

No, hash functions are one-way functions. You cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. This is by design and is what makes hashes useful for security. However, short or simple inputs can sometimes be cracked using brute force or rainbow tables.

Why do I get the same hash every time for the same input?

Hash functions are deterministic, meaning they always produce the same output for the same input. This is a feature, not a bug. It allows you to verify that data hasn't changed by comparing hashes.

Is it safe to use this tool for sensitive data?

Yes, all hashing is done locally in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server. However, remember that hashes themselves are not encryption—they cannot be reversed. If you need to protect data, use encryption instead.

What's the maximum file size I can hash?

The tool can handle files of any size that your browser can load into memory. For very large files (gigabytes), the hashing process may take some time, but it will complete successfully.

How do I verify a downloaded file's integrity?

Download the file and generate its hash using this tool. Compare the generated hash with the hash provided by the file's publisher. If they match, the file is authentic and hasn't been corrupted or modified.

What is a salt and why is it important for password hashing?

A salt is a random value added to a password before hashing. It prevents attackers from using precomputed hash tables (rainbow tables) to crack passwords. Each password should have a unique salt. Modern password hashing algorithms like bcrypt and Argon2 handle salting automatically.

Can I use this tool to hash passwords?

While you can use this tool to generate SHA hashes of passwords, it's not recommended for production use. Instead, use dedicated password hashing algorithms like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which are specifically designed to be slow and resistant to brute force attacks.