Introduction
Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) are 128-bit values that guarantee uniqueness across systems without coordination. They underpin distributed databases, session tracking, and many protocol headers. By following a strict bit layout and versioning scheme, UUIDs stay collision-free even at internet scale. This generator delivers compliant values instantly, letting you focus on integration rather than entropy management.
The tool supports four official UUID versions. Version 1 encodes timestamp and hardware address. Versions 3 and 5 derive deterministic identifiers from a namespace and name through hashing. Version 4 relies on strong randomness. Additional formatting toggles let you switch case, add braces, or strip dashes in real-time, ensuring the string meets database, API, or configuration conventions without extra scripts.
Generate keys for microservices, content addressing, or analytics experiments within seconds, then copy or export them for scripted deployments and logs; always validate UUID length, version, and variant bits before inserting values into databases that enforce strict schemas or replicate across regions where mismatch can propagate quickly and complicate audit procedures.
Technical Details:
The application runs entirely in your browser, combining a lightweight reactive engine with a UUID algorithm bundle. It manipulates the DOM with declarative bindings and never transmits data to any server.
Multi-version support
Generate v1, v3, v4, or v5 identifiers according to RFC-4122, ensuring compatibility with diverse platforms.
Live formatting options
Toggle uppercase, remove dashes, or wrap braces to match coding conventions without post-processing.
Namespace resolution
Convert friendly DNS, URL, OID, or X500 aliases into canonical namespace UUIDs for name-based versions.
History tracking
Store up to twenty recent results locally, enabling quick recall and comparison during development sessions.
JSON export & clipboard
Copy single values instantly or download a structured history file for alignment with automated tests.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Follow these concise instructions to generate and manage UUIDs effectively.
- Select a version from the UUID Version dropdown.
- (Optional) Expand Advanced and enter Name and Namespace for v3 or v5.
- Adjust formatting with the Uppercase, Remove dashes, or Include braces checkboxes.
- Press the Generate button to create a new identifier.
- Click Copy to place the formatted UUID on your clipboard fast.
- Switch to the History tab to review earlier values or copy individual entries.
- Open the JSON tab and choose Download JSON to archive results.
FAQ:
The following answers address common questions and concerns.
Is my data stored?
No. All calculations and history remain in your browser’s memory and local storage.
Which UUID version should I choose?
Use v4 for general randomness, v1 when ordering by time matters, and v3 or v5 for deterministic name mapping.
Can I exceed twenty history entries?
The limit keeps memory usage predictable. Refresh the page or export JSON, then clear history to continue.
Do uppercase identifiers change uniqueness?
No. The hexadecimal digits are case-insensitive, so uniqueness remains intact.
Does removing dashes affect parsing?
Most parsers accept undelimited 32-character strings, but verify compatibility with your target library first.
Troubleshooting:
Resolve common issues quickly with these suggestions.
- Critical Generated string is empty → Ensure all required fields for v3/v5 are filled and properly namespaced.
- Copy button does nothing → Check browser permission for clipboard access or use manual selection.
- History fails to update → Confirm that local storage is enabled and not in private browsing mode.
- Download JSON triggers a blocked pop-up → Allow downloads for this site in browser settings.
- Unexpected characters appear → Disable browser extensions that alter page content.
Advanced Tips:
Enhance your workflow with these expert suggestions.
- Bind the Ctrl + G shortcut to the generate action using a userscript for faster cycling.
- Pre-set URL parameters to share configuration with teammates or embed the tool in documentation.
- Store namespace UUIDs in environment variables to avoid hard-coding raw strings.
- Use JSON export as fixture data in automated tests to verify uniqueness constraints.
- Combine the brace option with SQL GUID columns that expect curly notation.
Glossary:
Clarify key terms referenced throughout the guide.
- UUID
- 128-bit identifier designed for global uniqueness.
- Namespace
- Predefined UUID acting as a seed for name-based generation.
- RFC-4122
- Standard that specifies UUID format and generation algorithms.
- Entropy
- Measure of randomness used in v4 generation.
- Checksum
- Integrity digit verifying correct variant and version bits.