Question 1

What is a hash?

Accepted Answer

A hash (or digest) is a fixed-length string computed from any input — text, a file, or a byte stream — such that any change in the input produces a completely different output. MD5 produces 128 bits (32 hex characters), SHA-1 produces 160 bits (40 hex), SHA-256 produces 256 bits (64 hex) and SHA-512 produces 512 bits (128 hex). Hashes are one-way: the original input cannot be recovered from the digest.

Question 2

Which hash algorithm should I use?

Accepted Answer

Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for anything security-sensitive. Avoid MD5 and SHA-1 for passwords, digital signatures or integrity checks against attackers, because both are collision-broken and can be attacked at scale. MD5 is still fine for non-adversarial checks such as verifying that a file downloaded completely and matches its published checksum. For passwords, always use a dedicated password-hashing function like bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 instead of a fast hash.

Question 3

Can I hash a file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the file picker in the Or hash a file section. The file is read locally with the browser's File API and processed with the same algorithms. It is never uploaded. Large files may take a few seconds; the elapsed-time readout shows how long it took.

Question 4

Is this Hash Generator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Hash Generator on Tools by tyup is completely free, has no signup, no ads and no usage limits. Everything runs in your browser.

Question 5

Is my text or file uploaded to a server?

Accepted Answer

No. The SHA family uses the browser's built-in SubtleCrypto API and MD5 is implemented in this page's own JavaScript. Nothing you hash is transmitted or stored anywhere.

Question 6

Why is MD5 still included if it is broken?

Accepted Answer

MD5 is collision-broken, meaning two different inputs can be crafted to produce the same digest — a real problem for signatures and certificates. It is still widely used for non-adversarial integrity checks, such as verifying that a file transfer completed. This tool keeps MD5 available because those uses are still common, with a warning that it must not be relied on for security.

Hash Generator MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 & SHA-512

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