# How I generate random tokens with enough entropy

A beginner-friendly guide to random tokens, length, character sets, password generation, and avoiding predictable secrets.

- Date: 2026-09-27
- URL: https://ilham.dev/posts/how-to-generate-random-tokens-with-enough-entropy/
- Markdown: https://ilham.dev/posts/how-to-generate-random-tokens-with-enough-entropy/index.md
- Tags: tokens, security, passwords, tools
- Reading time: 2 min


A good token should be random enough that guessing it is unrealistic.

The [Token Generator](/tools/token-generator/) tool helps with the mechanical part, but I still check the result before using it somewhere real.

## The simple idea

A good token should be random enough that guessing it is unrealistic.

I use the tool to make the transformation visible: input on one side, output on the other, and a quick sanity check before I copy anything.

## Step 1: Choose what the token is for

Choose what the token is for.

## Step 2: Pick a sufficient length

Pick a sufficient length.

## Step 3: Use a broad character set when the target system allows it

Use a broad character set when the target system allows it.

## Step 4: Generate tokens with cryptographic randomness

Generate tokens with cryptographic randomness.

## Step 5: Copy the token once and store it securely

Copy the token once and store it securely.

## Step 6: Do not generate secrets with predictable patterns

Do not generate secrets with predictable patterns.

## Step 7: Rotate tokens if they were exposed

Rotate tokens if they were exposed.

## My checklist

Before I trust the result, I check:

- Choose what the token is for.
- Pick a sufficient length.
- Use a broad character set when the target system allows it.
- Generate tokens with cryptographic randomness.
- Copy the token once and store it securely.
- Do not generate secrets with predictable patterns.
- Rotate tokens if they were exposed.

Small utilities are useful because they remove repetitive work. They are safest when the output is still reviewed.