SHA Hash Generator
Generate SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes from text or files
Hash Generator
Enter Text or Drop a File
How it works
This tool uses the browser's built-in Web Crypto API to compute cryptographic hashes. Text input is converted to bytes using TextEncoder, and files are read as ArrayBuffer via the FileReader API. The crypto.subtle.digest() method then computes SHA-1 (160-bit), SHA-256 (256-bit), and SHA-512 (512-bit) hashes. All processing happens entirely in your browser -- nothing is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash?
A hash is a fixed-length string generated from input data using a mathematical algorithm. The same input always produces the same hash, but you cannot reverse a hash back to the original data. Hashes are used for data integrity verification and password storage.
What is the difference between SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512?
They differ in output length and security. SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash (40 hex chars) but is considered weak. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash (64 hex chars) and is the current standard. SHA-512 produces a 512-bit hash (128 hex chars) for maximum security.
Is SHA-1 still safe to use?
SHA-1 is cryptographically broken — collision attacks have been demonstrated. It should not be used for security purposes (certificates, signatures). For checksums and non-security uses, it is still functional but SHA-256 is recommended for all new applications.
Can I hash files with this tool?
Yes. You can select a file and the tool will hash its contents using the Web Crypto API. This is useful for verifying file integrity — comparing the hash to a known value confirms the file has not been modified.