# sha512sum Cheatsheet - Launch Pad

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# sha512sum Cheatsheet

Quick reference for `sha512sum`, a tool to compute and verify SHA-512 checksums. SHA-512 is a stronger variant in the SHA-2 family, useful when you want a very conservative hash.

## Basic usage

- `sha512sum file.img` – print SHA-512 hash and filename.
- `sha512sum file1 file2` – hash multiple files.
- `echo -n "test" | sha512sum` – hash data from stdin.

## Common options

- `-b` – read files in binary mode (default on Linux).
- `-t` – read files in text mode (mainly for non-Unix systems).
- `-c` – check SHA-512 sums from a file.

## Creating and verifying checksum files

- `sha512sum file.img > file.img.sha512` – save checksum.
- `sha512sum file1 file2 > checksums.sha512` – create checksum list.
- `sha512sum -c file.img.sha512` – verify a single file.
- `sha512sum -c checksums.sha512` – verify multiple files.

## Tips

- Use SHA-512 when you want additional margin over SHA-256 (or when an ecosystem expects it).
- Checksums are only as trustworthy as the channel you got them from—publish them securely.
- For most cases, SHA-256 is enough; SHA-512 is the “belt and suspenders” option.