📖 What is UUID Parser?
UUID Parser decodes a UUID string and shows its internal structure — version number, variant, and for time-based UUIDs (v1, v7), the embedded timestamp. It validates UUID format and identifies the version (v1 time-based, v4 random, v5 name-based, v7 Unix timestamp). Use it to debug UUID generation, verify versions, or extract timestamps from v1/v7 UUIDs. Everything runs in your browser.
💡 Example
Input
550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000
Output
Version: 4 (random)
Variant: RFC 4122
Valid: ✓
🛠️ Common Use Cases
- Identifying UUID version (v1, v4, v5, v7) from a UUID string
- Extracting timestamps from v1 or v7 UUIDs
- Validating UUID format and structure
- Debugging UUID generation in applications
- Comparing UUID versions for database primary key decisions
📝 UUID Versions
- v1 — timestamp + MAC address (sortable, but exposes host info)
- v4 — fully random (most common, 122 bits of randomness)
- v5 — deterministic from namespace + name (SHA-1 hash)
- v7 — Unix timestamp + random (sortable, modern replacement for v1)
- Nil UUID — all zeros (00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Assuming UUIDs are sequential — v4 UUIDs are random and not sortable. Use v7 for time-ordered IDs.
- Using UUIDs as security tokens — v1 UUIDs are predictable (timestamp-based). Use cryptographically random tokens for secrets.
- Case sensitivity — UUIDs are case-insensitive by spec. Always compare in lowercase.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell which UUID version I have? ▾
The version digit is the first character of the third group. For example, in 550e8400-e29b-41d4..., the "4" indicates version 4.
Can I extract a timestamp from a UUID? ▾
Yes, for v1 and v7 UUIDs. V1 embeds a 60-bit timestamp (since 1582), v7 embeds a Unix millisecond timestamp. V4 UUIDs contain no timestamp.
Which UUID version should I use for database primary keys? ▾
V7 is recommended — it is time-sortable (good for database indexing) and does not expose host information like v1. V4 is also widely used but causes index fragmentation.
Is my data private? ▾
Yes — all processing runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server.
Is this tool free? ▾
Completely free — no login, no usage limits, works offline once loaded.
Yes — completely free, no login required, no usage limits.
Is my data private? ▾
Yes — all processing runs in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server.
Does it work offline? ▾
Yes — once the page is loaded, the tool works without an internet connection.