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How do I generate a UUID to use as an API key or identifier?

Short answer

Use a browser-based UUID generator to create a random version-4 UUID, a 128-bit identifier you can use as an API key or record id. It is generated with cryptographic randomness on your device and never sent to a server.

Why a v4 UUID is a good random identifier

A version-4 UUID is 128 bits of mostly random data, which makes accidental collisions vanishingly unlikely and makes the value hard to guess. That combination is why UUIDs are commonly used as opaque identifiers and simple API keys. A generator that uses the browser cryptographically secure random source produces values suitable for that purpose.

Generated in your browser, one or in bulk

Because the UUID is created locally, the identifier is never transmitted while you generate it, so you control where it goes. You can produce a single UUID or a batch at once and copy them with a click. It is free and needs no sign-up.

Step by step

  1. Open the generator. Open the UUID generator in your browser.
  2. Generate one or many. Generate a single v4 UUID or a bulk list if you need several.
  3. Copy the value. Copy the UUID and use it as your identifier or key.

Frequently asked questions

Is a UUID random enough to be hard to guess?

A v4 UUID is mostly random 128-bit data generated with secure randomness, so it is hard to guess.

Is the UUID sent to a server?

No. It is generated in your browser and never transmitted.

Can I generate several at once?

Yes. You can create a single UUID or a batch in one step.

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