Why use a password generator instead of making one up?

Humans fall into predictable patterns — base words, o-to-zero swaps, a tacked-on year — that attackers try first. A generator produces a string with no relationship to you, and makes a unique password per site effortless.

What length should a generated password be?

At least 16 characters where allowed. Length is the biggest factor in strength — every extra character multiplies an attacker's work far more than adding symbols to a short password does.

How do I remember generated passwords?

You should not have to. Store each in a reputable password manager and remember only one strong master credential. For passwords you must type from memory, use a memorable passphrase instead.

Password Generator: Settings That Make a Truly Strong Password | Generator Collection

Why Generated Beats Invented

Humans are terrible random number generators. Left to invent a password, people reuse a base word, swap an o for a zero, and tack on a year — patterns attackers know and try first. A password generator removes the human pattern entirely, producing a string with no relationship to your name, your pet, or last password. That unpredictability is the whole point.

Reuse is the other killer that a generator helps you beat. Because a generator makes a fresh password effortless, there is no excuse to use the same one twice, which is what turns a single site breach into a cascade across your accounts.

The Settings That Matter

Length is by far the biggest lever — every extra character multiplies the work an attacker faces. Aim for at least 16 characters where the site allows it; the difference between 8 and 16 is enormous. Character variety (upper, lower, digits, symbols) helps too, but length does more heavy lifting than cramming in punctuation.

Match the settings to the site's rules so the password is actually accepted, and avoid removing useful characters unless a site forbids them. If a service caps length cruelly, prioritize a longer mix over a short one stuffed with symbols.

Generate, Store, Forget

A long random password is unmemorable by design, which is fine because you should not be memorizing dozens of them. Generate each one and store it in a reputable password manager, which fills it for you and means you only ever remember one strong master credential.

For the few passwords you must type from memory, a memorable passphrase of random words is the better tool. A trustworthy generator runs in your browser and sends nothing anywhere, so generate, save it to your manager, and move on.

Frequently asked questions

Why use a password generator instead of making one up?: Humans fall into predictable patterns — base words, o-to-zero swaps, a tacked-on year — that attackers try first. A generator produces a string with no relationship to you, and makes a unique password per site effortless.
What length should a generated password be?: At least 16 characters where allowed. Length is the biggest factor in strength — every extra character multiplies an attacker's work far more than adding symbols to a short password does.
How do I remember generated passwords?: You should not have to. Store each in a reputable password manager and remember only one strong master credential. For passwords you must type from memory, use a memorable passphrase instead.