Whether you're checking file integrity, building authentication systems, or verifying data hasn't been tampered with, a reliable hash tool belongs in every developer's kit. I7 Pixel's generator handles every common algorithm — instantly, with no server involved.
From raw text or file to verified digest in four straightforward steps.
Understanding what each algorithm is actually good for helps you avoid using a broken hash where security matters.
MD5 and SHA-1 are both vulnerable to practical collision attacks, meaning two different inputs can be crafted to produce the same hash. This makes them unsuitable for digital signatures, certificate signing, or any security-critical verification. They're still useful for non-adversarial checksums — like confirming a large file downloaded without corruption — but should never be relied on where an attacker could deliberately forge a match.
SHA-256 and SHA-512 (the SHA-2 family) remain the industry standard for password hashing salts, TLS certificates, blockchain, and general integrity checks. SHA-3-256 uses a different internal structure (Keccak) and offers stronger theoretical resistance to certain attack classes, but SHA-2 is still considered secure and is far more widely supported. For new projects with no special requirement, SHA-256 is the safe, well-supported default; reach for SHA-3 when a spec explicitly requires it.
HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) combines a secret key with a hash function so that only someone who knows the key can produce a valid digest for a given message. This is essential for API request signing, webhook payload verification, and session tokens — a plain hash alone can't prove the sender knew a secret, but an HMAC can. This tool supports HMAC-SHA256 and HMAC-SHA512; enable HMAC mode and enter your key to generate them alongside the standard digests.
Quick guide to which algorithm fits which job.
| Algorithm | Digest Size | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| MD5 Legacy | 128-bit | Non-security checksums only — file integrity checks where no adversary is assumed |
| SHA-1 Legacy | 160-bit | Deprecated for security use — retained for legacy Git and older tooling compatibility |
| SHA-224 | 224-bit | Truncated SHA-2 variant, used where a shorter digest is required with SHA-2 strength |
| SHA-256 Recommended | 256-bit | General-purpose standard — TLS certificates, blockchain, checksums, digital signatures |
| SHA-384 | 384-bit | Higher-security SHA-2 variant used in some TLS cipher suites and certificate chains |
| SHA-512 Recommended | 512-bit | Maximum-strength SHA-2 digest for high-security integrity and signature applications |
| SHA-3-256 | 256-bit | Keccak-based modern alternative to SHA-2, used where a spec explicitly requires it |
| HMAC-SHA256 / 512 Auth | 256 / 512-bit | API request signing, webhook verification, session tokens — proves possession of a secret key |
Hashing is a daily task across development, security, and IT — this tool covers every common scenario without installing anything.
Answers to the most common questions about generating hashes with this tool.
Yes — completely free. There are no limits, no accounts, no watermarks, and no charges. Generate as many hashes as you need.
MD5, SHA-1, SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512, SHA-3-256, plus HMAC-SHA256 and HMAC-SHA512 with a custom secret key.
No — never. All hashing uses JavaScript and the Web Crypto API locally in your browser. Your text, file, and generated hashes never leave your device.
Use SHA-256 or higher for anything security-sensitive. MD5 and SHA-1 are cryptographically broken and should only be used for legacy compatibility or casual, non-adversarial checksums.
Yes. Switch to the File tab and drag-and-drop or select any file. The tool reads the raw bytes and computes every selected hash without uploading it anywhere.
Paste the known hash into the Verify Hash field after generating your own. The tool automatically compares it against all computed digests and reports a match.
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All tools at I7 Pixel run in your browser — no uploads, no accounts, always free.