SHA Hash Generator

SHA Hash Generator

Generate SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, or SHA-512 hashes of text or a file using your browser's built-in cryptography.

Your hash will appear here.

The SHA Hash Generator computes secure hash fingerprints of text or files using the Web Crypto API built into your browser. SHA hashes verify downloads, sign data, build integrity checks, and power countless protocols: change one byte of input and the fingerprint changes completely, while identical input always produces the identical hash.

Four algorithms are on offer. SHA-256 is the everyday standard and the right default for checksums and verification. SHA-384 and SHA-512 serve systems that ask for longer hashes, and SHA-1 is included only for compatibility with older checksums, because it is no longer considered collision-safe for security purposes and the tool says so openly.

Text is encoded as UTF-8 before hashing, and files are hashed byte for byte, matching the results of standard command-line tools like sha256sum. Everything runs locally through your browser's own cryptographic functions; nothing you hash is uploaded anywhere.

How to use

  1. Choose an algorithm, SHA-256 unless you need another.
  2. Type text, or choose a file (the file takes priority).
  3. Click Generate Hash.
  4. Copy the hex fingerprint from the result panel.

Frequently asked questions

Which algorithm should I choose?

SHA-256 for almost everything: download verification, integrity checks, and general fingerprints. Use SHA-384 or SHA-512 when a system specifically requests them, and SHA-1 only to match a legacy published checksum.

Why is SHA-1 marked as legacy?

Practical collision attacks against SHA-1 have been demonstrated, so it must not protect anything security-sensitive. Matching an old published SHA-1 checksum for a download is still a common, reasonable use.

How do I verify a download with this tool?

Download the file, note the checksum the publisher lists, then hash the file here and compare the two strings character by character. If they match exactly, the file arrived intact and unchanged.

Can I recover the original from a hash?

No. Hash functions are one-way. Verification works by hashing your copy and comparing fingerprints, never by reversing a hash.

Is my file uploaded for hashing?

Never. Your browser reads and hashes the file locally.