MD5 & SHA-256 Hash Generator Free — Text, File, Compare
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes from text or any file. Compare two hashes to verify file integrity — no upload, 100% private.
About This Tool
Generate cryptographic hashes in your browser
Compute MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, or SHA-512 hashes from any text or file. Useful for verifying file integrity, generating checksums, or working with APIs that require hash authentication.
Everything runs locally — your data never leaves your device. SHA hashes use the browser's native Web Crypto API for maximum performance.
5 Algorithms
MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.
File Hash
Drag any file to get its MD5/SHA-256/SHA-512 — no upload to server.
Hash Comparison
Paste two hashes to instantly verify if a downloaded file is authentic.
100% Private
All hashing runs locally in your browser. Nothing leaves your device.
Quick Start
How to Generate a Hash
Pick Algorithm
Choose MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, or SHA-512 depending on your use case.
Enter Input
Type text, paste a string, or click File to hash any file locally.
Get Hash
Hash is computed instantly. Copy it with one click.
Compare (Optional)
Paste two hashes in the Compare section — Match ✓ or No Match ✗ appears instantly.
Reference
Hash Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output Length | Security | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128-bit (32 chars) | Broken | Checksums, non-security uses |
| SHA-1 | 160-bit (40 chars) | Weak | Legacy compatibility |
| SHA-256 | 256-bit (64 chars) | Strong | General purpose, APIs, blockchain |
| SHA-384 | 384-bit (96 chars) | Strong | TLS certificates |
| SHA-512 | 512-bit (128 chars) | Strong | Maximum security, file integrity |
Use Cases
When to Use Hash Generator
Cryptographic hashing is used across security, data integrity, and software development workflows.
Password Hashing
Generate SHA-256 or SHA-512 hashes to understand how passwords are stored securely in systems.
File Integrity Checks
Hash a downloaded file and compare it to the published checksum to verify it has not been tampered with.
API Key Generation
Generate a unique MD5 or SHA hash from input data to create deterministic API keys or tokens.
Deduplication
Hash file contents to detect duplicate files in a dataset without comparing byte by byte.
Digital Forensics
Hash files or strings as evidence fingerprints during security investigations or audits.
Learning Cryptography
Experiment with MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 outputs to understand hashing behaviour firsthand.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the file. Click File in the tool and select your downloaded file. Choose the same algorithm the publisher used (usually SHA-256). Copy the generated hash and compare it to the hash on the download page — or use the Compare section below to paste both and get an instant Match / No Match result.
Hash comparison lets you verify a downloaded file hasn't been corrupted or tampered with. Software publishers list the expected SHA-256 or MD5 hash next to their download links. You hash your local file, compare it to the published hash, and if they match the file is authentic.
Yes. The tool accepts any file — executables (.exe, .dmg), archives (.zip, .tar), PDFs, images, and more. The file is read locally in your browser — never uploaded to any server.
SHA-256 for most purposes. SHA-512 for maximum security. MD5 only for non-security checksums — it's cryptographically broken and not suitable for verifying security-sensitive files.
Yes. All hashing runs in your browser using the Web Crypto API (for SHA algorithms) and JavaScript (for MD5). Nothing leaves your device.
No. Hashing is a one-way function. You cannot reverse a hash to get the original input — this is by design and what makes hashes useful for password storage and integrity checks.