Drop any file here
or click to browse — any file type, any size
What This Tool Does
The File Hash Generator computes MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 checksums for any file you select or drop. All four hashes are computed simultaneously. SHA hashes use the browser's native Web Crypto API; MD5 uses a pure JavaScript implementation. Your file data is processed in memory and never transmitted anywhere.
How to Use
Drag any file into the drop zone, or click Choose File to browse. All four hash values are computed automatically and each has its own copy button. Compare the SHA-256 value against the checksum published by the software author to verify file integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a file checksum/hash?
A checksum is a fixed-length string computed from a file's contents. Even a single byte change produces a completely different hash. This makes checksums ideal for verifying that a downloaded file is identical to the original — if the hashes match, the file is intact and unmodified.
Which hash algorithm should I use for file verification?
SHA-256 is the current standard for file integrity verification and is what most software publishers provide. MD5 and SHA-1 are still widely used for quick checksums but are not recommended for security-critical verification since they are vulnerable to collision attacks. SHA-512 provides the highest security margin.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The file is read locally using the browser's FileReader API and ArrayBuffer. The hash is computed using the Web Crypto API (crypto.subtle.digest). Your file data never leaves your device.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no hard limit set by this tool, but very large files (several GB) may be slow to process since hashing happens in your browser. Files up to a few hundred MB process quickly on modern hardware.
How do I use a hash to verify a download?
After downloading a file, drop it into this tool and select the same algorithm the publisher used (usually SHA-256). Compare the generated hash character-by-character with the hash published on the download page. If they match exactly, the file is authentic and unmodified.