MD5 · checksums for downloads

MD5 hash generator and checker

Many download pages, old databases and backup tools still list MD5 checksums. Type text to get its 32-character MD5 hash, or drop a file and paste the expected MD5 to see if they match. MD5 is fine for spotting a corrupted download but broken as a security check, so SHA-256 is shown too for anything that matters.

How to use the tool

  1. 1

    Type text or add a file

    MD5 is the first, highlighted row. Big files are processed in chunks with a progress bar.

  2. 2

    Paste the expected MD5

    Copy the checksum from the site or the .md5 file into the compare box.

  3. 3

    Look for the green match

    If it matches, the file arrived complete. If not, download it again.

  4. 4

    Prefer SHA-256 when offered

    If the site lists both, compare the SHA-256 too. That is the one that shows nobody tampered with the file.

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Sharing files with customers?

Put a PDF menu, brochure or price list behind one QR code and update it anytime without reprinting.

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Frequently asked questions

Is MD5 safe to use?

For catching accidental damage, like a broken download, yes. For security, no: researchers have made different files with the same MD5 since 2004, so an attacker could swap a file without changing its MD5. Never use MD5 for passwords or signatures.

Can an MD5 hash be decoded?

Not mathematically. So-called MD5 decrypters look the hash up in huge tables of known words, so they only “work” for short or common inputs. That is one reason MD5 is unsafe for storing passwords.

How long is an MD5 hash?

128 bits: 32 hex characters, like 9e107d9d372bb6826bd81d3542a419d6, or 24 characters in Base64.

How do I check an MD5 on my computer?

Windows: certutil -hashfile file.zip MD5. Mac: md5 file.zip. Linux: md5sum file.zip. Compare the output with what this page shows.