Hash Generator (SHA-256)
Generate SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 hashes from any text online. Free developer tool.
Free · No sign-upHow to use Hash Generator (SHA-256)
- 1. On the Text tab, type or paste text. MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512 and CRC32 hashes update live as you type, using UTF-8.
- 2. To hash files, switch to the Files tab and drop one or more files up to 2 GB each. Every algorithm is calculated for each file.
- 3. Optionally tick HMAC and enter a secret key, choose hex, HEX or Base64 output, or paste an expected hash to check for a green match.
- 4. Click Copy next to any hash. For files, download a sha256sum-style Checksum file or a CSV of every hash.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hash generator free, and how large a file can I hash?
It is free with no sign-up. Text hashes update instantly, and the Files tab accepts many files at once, up to 2 GB each. Large files take longer and need enough browser memory, since each file is read in full on your device.
Are my files or text uploaded when I generate a hash?
No. Hashing runs in your browser with the Web Crypto API, plus built-in code for MD5 and CRC32. Files are read locally and never uploaded, and the HMAC secret key stays on your device as well.
How do I verify a file’s SHA-256 checksum?
Open the Files tab, drop the downloaded file and paste the publisher’s checksum into the verify box. If a row turns green with Match, the file is intact. If not, the tool shows the length and guesses which algorithm the pasted hash uses.
How do I create an HMAC-SHA256 signature online?
Tick HMAC, enter your secret key and type or paste the message. The HMAC-SHA256 row shows the signature, and you can switch Output to Base64 if your API expects it. HMAC works with MD5 and the SHA family; CRC32 has no HMAC form.
Is MD5 or SHA-1 still safe to use?
MD5 and SHA-1 are fine for checksums and finding duplicate files, but they are broken for security, so don’t use them for signatures. Use SHA-256 or stronger instead, and for storing passwords use a slow algorithm such as bcrypt or Argon2.
Which hash formats and export files does the hash generator support?
It outputs lowercase hex, uppercase HEX or Base64. For files you can download a checksum file in the sha256sum format (hash, two spaces, file name), which Linux and macOS tools can check, or a CSV listing each file, algorithm and hash.