Even though MD5 is no longer a good choice for storing passwords, it still shows up in everyday developer work: checksum comparisons, legacy integrations, migration scripts, cache keys, and quick data fingerprints.
So I added a small browser-based tool to Tools Online: MD5 Hash Generator.
Why I built it
I kept needing a quick way to paste a string and get the standard 32-character MD5 hash without opening a terminal, writing a one-off Node script, or searching for a random page that might send input to a server.
The tool is intentionally narrow: paste text, optionally add a salt, and copy the generated MD5 output.
What it supports
The first version includes:
- Standard 32-character MD5 output
- Short 16-character variant
- Uppercase and lowercase formats
- Prefix or suffix salt support
- Recent hash history
- Copy buttons for the generated values
It runs directly in the browser, so the input text does not need to leave the device.
The important security note
I also wanted the page to be clear about what MD5 should and should not be used for. It is fine for checksums, legacy compatibility, deduplication, and non-security fingerprints. It should not be used for new password storage. For passwords, use bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 instead.
That note matters because a hash tool can be useful without pretending the algorithm is modern cryptography.
Where AI helped
AI helped me shape the page copy around the edge cases: explaining one-way hashing, clarifying why MD5 is not reversible, calling out rainbow table risks, and keeping the UX focused on real developer workflows rather than overselling the algorithm.
The final tool is simple, local-first, and built for quick checksum work.
Try it here: https://toolsonline.run/md5
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