Privacy File Tools
File hash generator
Generate SHA-256, SHA-1 and MD5 checksums for any file. Everything runs locally in your browser — your files are never uploaded.
100% local.Your file is processed in your browser and is never uploaded.
Drag & drop a file here
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How file hashing works
A hash function takes the contents of a file and produces a fixed-length string called a checksum or digest. Even a single bit change in the file produces a completely different hash. This makes hashes ideal for verifying file integrity — compare the hash you compute with the one published by the file author to confirm the file has not been modified.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a file hash?
- A file hash is a fixed-length string of characters produced by a cryptographic algorithm. It uniquely identifies the contents of a file. Even a tiny change to the file produces a completely different hash.
- How does the file hash generator work?
- You upload a file and the tool computes its hash using your browser's built-in Web Crypto API. The file never leaves your device — all computation happens locally.
- What hash algorithms are supported?
- SHA-256, SHA-1, and MD5. SHA-256 is recommended for security. MD5 is provided for legacy checksum verification only and is not cryptographically secure.
- Is SHA-256 secure?
- Yes. SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family and is widely used for integrity verification, digital signatures, and blockchain. It is considered cryptographically secure.
- What is MD5 used for?
- MD5 is an older hash algorithm that produces 128-bit checksums. It is useful for verifying file downloads and detecting accidental corruption, but it is not secure against intentional tampering.