What is a hash?
A hash function turns input (text or data) into a fixed-length string of characters. The same input always gives the same hash, but you can’t reverse the hash to get the original input. Hashes are used for checksums (e.g. verifying a download), passwords (store the hash, not the password), and digital signatures.
Common algorithms include MD5 (legacy, avoid for security), SHA-256, and SHA-512. For checksums and non-security uses, SHA-256 is a good default.
When to use a hash generator
Use a hash tool when you need a fingerprint of a file or string: compare two files, verify a download, or generate a short identifier. Our hash generator runs in your browser so the data never leaves your device—useful for sensitive input.
Paste or type the content, choose the algorithm (e.g. SHA-256), and copy the hash. For files, use a desktop or command-line tool that supports file hashing.
Base64 and URL encoding
Base64 turns binary or text into a safe ASCII string (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It’s used in data URLs, email attachments, and APIs. It’s not encryption—anyone can decode it.
URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces unsafe characters in URLs (e.g. spaces, &, =) with %XX so they can be sent in query strings or paths. Use our Base64 tool for encode/decode and the URL encode/decode tool for query parameters.
Tools to use
Use our Hash Generator for SHA-256 and other hashes of text. Use Base64 Encode/Decode for Base64. Use URL Encode/Decode for query strings and URLs. All run in the browser with no account.