Which hash algorithm should I use?

For security purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are considered cryptographically broken and should only be used for non-security checksums like file integrity verification.

HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) combines a hash function with a secret key to verify both data integrity and authenticity. It is commonly used in API authentication.

Yes. Drag and drop a file or use the file picker to compute hashes. The file is processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded.

Is MD5 still safe to use?

MD5 is cryptographically broken — collisions can be generated intentionally. Do NOT use it for passwords or security. It is still acceptable for non-security purposes like file integrity checks (verifying downloads) or cache keys.

What is the difference between MD5, SHA-256, and SHA-512?

MD5 produces a 128-bit (32-character) hash. SHA-256 produces 256-bit (64-character) and SHA-512 produces 512-bit (128-character) hashes. Longer hashes provide more collision resistance. SHA-256 is the current standard for most security applications.

Can I reverse a hash back to the original text?

No. Hash functions are one-way — they cannot be reversed. This is by design. If you need to verify a value, hash it again and compare the outputs. Dictionary attacks exist for common passwords but cannot reverse arbitrary inputs.

Hash Generator — MD5, SHA-256, SHA-512 & HMAC

How to Use the Hash Generator

Type or paste any text into the input field, and all hash values are computed simultaneously in real time. Toggle the HMAC option to generate keyed hashes using a secret key. Click the copy button next to any hash to copy it to your clipboard. SHA-256 and SHA-512 use the Web Crypto API for maximum performance.

What Is Hashing?

A hash function takes an input of any size and produces a fixed-size output (the hash or digest). The same input always produces the same hash, but even a tiny change in input produces a completely different output. This one-way property makes hashes useful for data integrity verification, password storage, digital signatures, and checksums. Generate strong passwords to hash with our Password Generator. MD5 and SHA-1 are legacy algorithms suitable only for non-security uses. SHA-256 and SHA-512 are currently considered secure for cryptographic applications.

Common Use Cases

Verify file integrity by comparing checksums. Generate content hashes for cache busting. Create HMAC signatures for API authentication — verify JWT token signatures with the JWT Decoder. Compute password hashes for storage. Encode hash outputs with our Base64 Encoder for safe transport. Check whether two documents are identical without comparing their full contents. All computation happens in your browser using the Web Crypto API — your data never leaves your device.

Hash Generator

How to Use the Hash Generator

What Is Hashing?

Common Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Base64 Encoder / Decoder

String Encoder / Decoder

UUID / ULID Generator

JWT Decoder

Related Articles

MD5 vs SHA-256: Which Hash Function Should You Use? (2026 Guide)

How to Verify File Integrity with Hash Checksums