What Is a UUID Generator?
A UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit identifier usually shown as hexadecimal in the 8-4-4-4-12 format. Teams also call these values GUIDs. An online UUID generator creates them quickly for databases, APIs, message IDs, and test fixtures.
This free UUID generator tool runs in your browser. Choose UUID v4 for random IDs, UUID v1 for timestamp-based RFC 4122 values, or UUIDv7 when you want IDs that sort by time—useful as a primary key strategy.
UUID v4, v1, and Sortable UUIDv7
Version 4 random UUIDs fill most bits with secure randomness. Version 1 encodes a timestamp and node field. UUIDv7 keeps a millisecond Unix timestamp up front so newer IDs sort after older ones, while still using random bits for uniqueness.
550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000 # example v4 shape
018f3c2a-7b1d-7c3e-9a2b-1c2d3e4f5a6b # example v7-style layoutPython, Java, Node.js, and SQL Server
Developers often reach for uuid4() in Python, a Java UUID generator in the standard library, the uuid npm package or crypto.randomUUID() in Node.js, and NEWID() as a SQL Server UUID generator. This page is for interactive bulk generation when you need a random UUID generator online without opening an IDE.
Formats, Nil UUID, and Short UUID Output
Export standard hyphenated strings, UPPERCASE GUIDs, brace-wrapped Windows-style IDs, URN namespace form (urn:uuid:…), or hyphen-stripped values when you need a short UUID generator style for compact pastes. The nil UUID is the all-zero placeholder defined by the specs—not a random identifier.
UUID Generator FAQs
- What is a UUID generator?
- A UUID generator creates 128-bit identifiers in the familiar 8-4-4-4-12 hexadecimal format. This online UUID generator tool builds random UUID v4 values, timestamp-based v1 IDs, and sortable UUIDv7 strings in your browser.
- What is the difference between UUID v4 and UUID v7?
- A v4 UUID generator fills almost all bits with cryptographically strong randomness (RFC 4122 version 4 random). UUIDv7 puts a Unix timestamp first so IDs sort by creation time, which helps as a primary key strategy in databases.
- Is this the same as a GUID UUID generator?
- Yes. GUID and UUID describe the same 128-bit identifier family. SQL Server’s NEWID() returns a GUID; this GUID UUID generator produces the same style of value for apps, APIs, and databases.
- How does this compare to uuid generator Python or Node.js?
- In Python people often call uuid4(); in Node.js the uuid npm package or crypto.randomUUID() is common. This page is a free online UUID generator for quick bulk creation without writing a script.
- Can I generate many UUIDs at once?
- Yes. Choose a count up to 1,000, then copy the list or download a text file. That covers bulk seeding, test data, and short UUID generator workflows when you strip hyphens.
- What about collision probability and the nil UUID?
- Random UUID v4 collision probability is negligible for normal app volumes. The nil UUID (all zeros) is a reserved empty value, not a random ID—use it only when a format explicitly needs a nil placeholder.