QuickHash-GUI

Overview

QuickHash-GUI is a lightweight data hashing tool designed to provide users with a simple and intuitive graphical interface to calculate and verify the hash values of text, files, folders, disks and even forensic E01 images. It supports multiple hash algorithms (such as MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512) and is suitable for scenarios such as data integrity verification, file comparison and digital forensics. QuickHash-GUI was created by independent developer Ted Smith. It is completely open source and the code is hosted on GitHub and follows the GNU General Public License (GPL). It is particularly suitable for users who are not familiar with command line operations, while also meeting the needs of advanced users in batch processing and complex tasks.

History and Development

QuickHash-GUI was originally developed by Ted Smith to provide Linux users with a simple and easy-to-use hash calculation tool to fill the gap in graphical interface hash tools at the time. The project started around 2010, and the earliest version focused on basic file hash calculations. As user demand increased, Ted Smith gradually expanded the functionality, adding support for folder comparison, E01 image support, and cross-platform compatibility.

Early stage:

• Originally designed for Linux, developed using Lazarus (Free Pascal IDE), focusing on providing a graphical interface to counter the complexity of command-line tools (such as sha256sum).
• Early versions only supported basic file hash calculations, and the algorithms were limited to MD5 and SHA-1.

Extension and cross-platform support:

• Around 2013, the project began to support Windows and macOS, expanding the user base.
• Added algorithms such as SHA-256, SHA-512, as well as folder comparison and copy verification functions.
• Introduced support for forensic E01 images, attracting users in the field of digital forensics.

Recent Developments:

• As of 2025, the latest version v3.3.4 optimizes performance, fixes SQLite compatibility issues for macOS Big Sur and above, and enhances multi-language support.
• The project is continuously maintained, and Ted Smith regularly accepts community feedback and contributions through GitHub to keep the tool active.
• It forms an ecosystem with Ted Smith's other tools (such as Teds Tremendous Data Generator) to enhance the collaborative capabilities of data generation and verification.

Community Contributions:

• The code is fully open source and hosted on GitHub, allowing users to submit issues and pull requests.
• Community feedback has driven multi-language interfaces and wider hash algorithm support.

Main Features

QuickHash-GUI provides a range of functions, covering from basic hash calculations to complex data verification tasks. The following are its core features:

1. Multiple algorithm support:
   • Supports multiple hash algorithms such as MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-3, etc.
   • Users can choose single or multiple algorithms to calculate simultaneously.
2. File and folder hash:
   • Calculate the hash value of a single file, all files in a folder, or the entire disk.
   • Support recursive scanning of subfolders, suitable for large-scale data verification.
3. Folder comparison:
   • Compare the hash values of two folders to quickly identify file differences (added, deleted or modified).
   • Generate detailed comparison reports, suitable for backup verification.
4. Copy and hash:
   • When copying files or folders, automatically calculate the hash values of the source and target files to ensure data integrity.
   • Support pause and resume, suitable for processing large data sets.
5. Text hash:
   • Directly enter a text string and calculate its hash value, suitable for fast verification of short data.
6. Base64 encoding/decoding:
   • Provides Base64 processing function, which expands the application scenarios of the tool.
7. Digital forensics support:
   • Supports hash calculation of forensic E01 image files, which is suitable for legal and forensic scenarios.
   • Relies on libewf library (LGPL license) to implement this function.
8. Cross-platform and multi-language:
   • Runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
   • Supports multi-language interface (such as English, Spanish) to improve global user accessibility.
9. Batch processing and export:
   • Supports batch calculation of hash values, and the results can be exported to CSV or text files.
   • Provides detailed logs for debugging and logging.
10. Portability:
    • The Windows version does not need to be installed, and can be run by unzipping.
    • Linux and macOS versions provide simple installation packages (.deb and .dmg).

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Free and open source:
  • Comply with the GPL license, transparent code, allowing users to review and modify.
  • No subscription fees, suitable for personal and corporate use.
• Cross-platform compatibility:
  • Supports Windows, Linux and macOS, simple installation, and adaptable to a variety of environments.
• User-friendly:
  • The graphical interface is intuitive, suitable for beginners, while meeting the complex needs of advanced users (such as batch processing and forensics).
• Comprehensive functions:
  • Integrates file hashing, folder comparison, copy verification and E01 image support, covering a variety of usage scenarios.
• Lightweight and efficient:
  • Low resource usage, suitable for low-performance devices.
  • The Windows portable version does not need to be installed, which is convenient for mobile use.
• Community support:
  • Active GitHub repository, developers respond quickly, and the community can contribute code and feedback.

Limitations

• Old interface design:
  • The interface is developed based on Lazarus, and the visual style is relatively traditional, lacking a modern design sense.
  • Compared with some commercial tools, the user experience is slightly inferior.
• Complex dependency management:
  • Windows users may need to manually install the .NET Framework or Visual C++ redistributable package.
  • Linux and macOS users may need to additionally configure the SQLite or libewf library, especially when dealing with E01 images.
• macOS compatibility issues:
  • In macOS Big Sur and above, the SQLite library may cause compatibility issues and require manual adjustment (the official website provides a guide).
• Insufficient documentation:
  • Although the official website provides basic instructions, there is less detailed documentation for advanced features (such as E01 support or source code compilation).
• Learning curve:
  • For beginners, the folder comparison and copy verification functions may take some time to get familiar with.
• Functional Specificity:
  • Focusing on hash calculation and verification, it lacks other file management functions (such as compression or encryption), and its functions are relatively simple compared to tools such as 7-Zip.

Summary

QuickHash-GUI is a powerful, free and open source cross-platform hash tool that meets the needs of a wide range of users from beginners to professional users. Its core advantages are its simple and easy-to-use graphical interface, support for multiple hash algorithms, cross-platform compatibility, and unique support for digital forensics scenarios. Whether it is verifying file integrity, comparing folders, copying data, or processing forensic E01 images, QuickHash-GUI can provide efficient solutions. Although the interface is a bit old and some functions require additional configuration dependencies, its lightweight, efficient and open source features make it stand out from similar tools. For ordinary users, QuickHash-GUI is an ideal choice for verifying the integrity of downloaded files or backup data; for professional users (such as digital forensics personnel), its E01 image support and batch processing functions are particularly useful.