MD5 Hash Generator
MD5 FAQ
What is MD5 used for?
MD5 is used to generate a fixed-size hash from input text or data. It was traditionally applied for verifying file integrity, digital signatures, and password storage.
Is MD5 secure?
No. MD5 is no longer considered secure for cryptographic purposes because collisions can be generated, meaning two different inputs may produce the same hash.
What are MD5 alternatives?
Stronger algorithms such as SHA-256, SHA-3, bcrypt, or Argon2 should be used for modern secure applications.
Can I still use MD5?
Yes, but only for non-security purposes like generating checksums or validating file integrity during downloads. For passwords or sensitive data, avoid MD5.
What is MD5?
MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a widely known cryptographic hash function that converts input into a fixed 128-bit hash value. Its output is typically represented as a 32-character hexadecimal string. MD5 was once standard for verifying file integrity and securely storing passwords, but it is now considered insecure for cryptographic use due to vulnerabilities.
Despite its flaws, MD5 is still widely used for non-security purposes such as generating file checksums, validating data integrity, or creating unique identifiers for cached resources. It remains popular due to its speed, simplicity, and compatibility across platforms.
For sensitive or security-related contexts, stronger alternatives such as SHA-256, SHA-3, bcrypt, or Argon2 are recommended. Use MD5 only when cryptographic security is not required. This tool helps you easily convert text into an MD5 hash directly in your browser.