NanoID Generator Guide
Reference for generating compact random IDs with configurable length and alphabet for prototypes, fixtures, and labels.
Quick answer
Use the NanoID Generator when you need compact random identifiers for fixtures, prototypes, labels, or examples where full UUID length is unnecessary.
What this tool does
The generator creates short IDs from a selected alphabet and length. It is useful for sample data and non-secret labels.
Step-by-step use
- Choose the ID length.
- Review the alphabet.
- Generate one or more IDs.
- Copy the output.
- Increase length when collisions would be costly.
Data handling and processing behavior
Processing is handled in the browser for this tool based on the current public implementation.
Examples
Short fixture IDs
Generate compact IDs for mock records in a front-end prototype.
Readable labels
Use a reduced alphabet when IDs must be copied by humans.
Assumptions and limits
- Shorter IDs have a higher collision risk.
- Custom alphabets change the possible ID space.
- NanoIDs are identifiers, not authentication secrets.
- Use a password generator for credentials and a backend policy for access control.
Review example
For a prototype with 100 mock cards, short NanoIDs can make fixtures easier to scan. For imported production records or public links, choose a longer length and document the alphabet so later test data uses the same rules. If two systems need to sort IDs by time, consider ULID instead of NanoID.
Practical handoff note
For NanoID handoff, record the alphabet and length if another system must reproduce or validate the IDs. Shorter IDs look cleaner in examples, but collision risk depends on volume and alphabet size. Use NanoID for compact synthetic identifiers, not as a secret, password, or authorization token.
Common errors
Making IDs too short
Small IDs are convenient but can collide in larger datasets.
Using readable IDs as secure tokens
If the value grants access, design it as a security token, not only a label.
Next steps
- NanoID Generator — create compact random IDs
- UUID Generator — create standard UUIDs
- Password Generator — create password-style secrets
- Developer Data Cleanup Workflow — decide whether a sample needs IDs, secrets, timestamps, or formatted fixtures