UUID Version Guide and Comparison

Not all UUIDs are created equal. Discover which version is right for your project and generate the perfect identifier today.

When to use this solution:

Use this during the technical design phase of your project to choose the correct identifier strategy.

Common Use Cases

Architecting new DB schemasChoosing between random vs time-based IDsSystem design researchSecurity audits

1Step-by-Step Guide

Compare v1 (Time-based)

Use if you need chronologically sortable identifiers (but beware of MAC address exposure).

Review v4 (Random)

The go-to for privacy and maximum uniqueness with no external data requirements.

Check v5 (Named-based)

Best when you need a consistent ID generated from a specific string.

Generate V4 UUIDs

Simply use our generator to produce cryptographically strong V4 identifiers for your project.

Ready to get started?

Use our free tool to solve this problem in seconds. No installation required.

Generate V4 UUID

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is v4 the most popular?

Because it's purely random, doesn't leak any device info, and is extremely easy to implement.

Can I switch versions later?

It's difficult once data is stored. It's better to pick one at the start and stick with it.