GUID V4 - Random-Based Identifier (Recommended)
GUID v4 is the most widely used random-based identifier. Learn about its structure, collision probability, advantages and why it is recommended for general-purpose applications.
How to Generate UUIDs in Python
Generate UUIDs in Python with the standard uuid module for v4 and with uuid.uuid7() on Python 3.14 or newer, then convert between UUID objects and strings with str() and uuid.UUID(...).
Recommendation: choose UUID v4 for random identifiers, and UUID v7 when you want sortable IDs and your runtime supports it.
How to generate UUID v4 in Python
import uuid
id = uuid.uuid4()
print(id)How to generate UUID v7 in Python
Python 3.14 added uuid.uuid7(). On older versions, use a compatibility package that implements RFC 9562.
import uuid
id = uuid.uuid7()
print(id)How to convert UUID to string in Python
import uuid
id = uuid.uuid4()
uuid_text = str(id)
uuid_hex = id.hex
print(uuid_text)
print(uuid_hex)How to convert string to UUID in Python
import uuid
value = "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000"
parsed = uuid.UUID(value)
print(parsed)
print(parsed.version)Native support notes
- Python uses UUID naming consistently across the standard library.
- UUID v4 is standard and portable.
- UUID v7 is built in on Python 3.14 and later.
- Keep v7 examples guarded by runtime compatibility notes in shared code or documentation.
Practical notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially when you want simple random IDs that work consistently across almost every Python deployment.
Use
str(uuidValue) to get the canonical dashed string form, and use uuid.UUID(text) to parse the string back into a UUID object.uuid.uuid7() is native starting in Python 3.14. Use a UUID compatibility library or keep using v4 until your deployment target reaches that version.Learn more
These articles expand on related concepts, formats and practical considerations.