Legacy distribution
Some firmware mirrors still publish only MD5 checksums. Generate both MD5 and SHA-256 digests so you can satisfy legacy tooling while documenting the stronger alternative.
Hash generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 from text or files. Everything runs locally with Web Workers.
MD5 and SHA-1 are weak. Prefer SHA-256 for integrity.
Hash result
File hash
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Awaiting comparison
What is a cryptographic hash?
A cryptographic hash is a one-way function that turns any input into a fixed-length digest. The best algorithms are deterministic, fast to compute, and make it computationally impractical to reverse the process or find two inputs that collide.
Core properties
- Deterministic: the same input always produces the same digest.
- Pre-image resistance: given a digest, recovering the original data should be infeasible.
- Second pre-image resistance: finding a different input with the same digest should be impractical.
- Collision resistance: no attacker should be able to craft two different inputs that collide.
Where hashes shine
- Verifying software downloads and container images.
- Detecting duplicate files or records quickly.
- Deriving fixed-size identifiers from large payloads.
- Storing password digests when combined with salts and key stretching.
Unlike encryption, hashing is irreversible by design. HashyTools keeps every calculation in your browser so you can vet files, configuration snippets, and secrets without transmitting them anywhere.
Algorithm comparison
Pick the digest that matches your security and compatibility requirements. Older algorithms remain for legacy workflows, but modern integrity checks should prefer SHA-2 family members such as SHA-256.
| Algorithm | Digest length | Typical use today | Security notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits | Legacy checksum validation, non-security critical fingerprints. | Broken collision resistance. Never use for new security boundaries. |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits | Legacy APIs, old TLS or Git history verification. | Practical collision attacks. Avoid except when backward compatibility is mandatory. |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits | Modern integrity checks, digital signatures, blockchain data. | Considered secure and widely supported. Recommended default. |
When to choose each algorithm
Different environments still surface MD5 or SHA-1 requirements. Use these guidelines to decide when a compromise is acceptable and when you should upgrade.
Signed releases
Prefer SHA-256 combined with a signature (for example, GPG or code signing certificates) so tampering triggers a digest mismatch and fails signature validation.
Password storage
Never store plain hashes. Use battle-tested password hashing functions such as Argon2, scrypt, or bcrypt. HashyTools can help verify exported digests, but the heavy lifting belongs in a purpose-built KDF.
Quick question
Want to reproduce hash outputs inside your app or a script? Use the Web Crypto API for browsers or hashlib for Python to compute the same digests.
Hash generator FAQ
What is a cryptographic hash?
A cryptographic hash is a one-way mathematical function that converts any input into a fixed-length digest that is designed to be collision resistant. If the digest changes by even one bit, you know the source data changed.
Why are MD5 and SHA-1 considered weak?
MD5 and SHA-1 are vulnerable to collision attacks, which means attackers can craft different inputs that produce the same digest. They should no longer protect certificates, signed binaries, or any security sensitive workflow.
Can I hash large files without uploading them?
Yes. HashyTools processes files locally with Web Workers, streams progress, and never transmits the bytes outside of your browser session.
Do you store the hashes I generate?
No. The tool runs entirely on-device, and neither your inputs nor the resulting digests touch a server controlled by HashyTools.
How do I verify a hash against an expected value?
Paste the expected digest into the comparison field. HashyTools instantly re-computes the hash and flags a match or mismatch so you can finish your release checklist quickly.