Help Guide — Using the Rank Ready Password Generator
Need assistance using the generator above? This guide walks you through each option so you can quickly
build secure and memorable passwords or passphrases.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose your mode:
- Password — generates random strings of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Passphrase — generates random words separated by dashes, easier to remember.
- Set your length: Drag the slider or enter a number (we recommend 16+ characters or 5–7 words).
- Pick character sets: Toggle A–Z, a–z, numbers, and symbols as you need. Use “Exclude look-alike” to avoid confusing characters.
- Regenerate: Click Regenerate until you find a result you like. The strength meter will update automatically.
- Copy & Save: Use the Copy button and paste your new password into a secure password manager.
Quick Tips
- Use different passwords for every site or app.
- Longer = stronger. A 24-character password or a 6-word passphrase is virtually uncrackable by brute force.
- Avoid personal info like birthdays, names, or favorite sports teams.
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) for your most important accounts.
Troubleshooting
- Password looks too short? Increase the length slider to 20–24 characters.
- Symbols don’t work on a site? Disable symbols and add more length instead.
- Hard to type? Switch to Passphrase mode for easy-to-remember words.
- Copy not working? Try a different browser or right-click → Copy manually.
Security Reminders
- Never save passwords in plain text documents or screenshots.
- Store passwords in a trusted manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass.
- Update old or reused passwords immediately, especially for email and banking accounts.
Need More Help?
If you’d like personalized assistance with password security, account protection, or implementing
secure workflows for your business, contact Rank Ready.
How to Create Strong Passwords (and Remember Them)
A strong password prevents automated attacks, credential stuffing, and simple guesses.
Our generator above lets you choose length, character sets, and passphrase mode so you can
balance security and usability.
Why Length Matters More Than Anything
Length increases the total number of possible combinations, which boosts entropy (randomness).
As a rule of thumb, aim for 16+ characters for passwords and 5–7 words for passphrases.
Longer is almost always better—especially when you can’t enable special characters on some sites.
Password vs. Passphrase
- Password (mixed characters): great for sites that allow special characters, ideal for random logins.
- Passphrase (several random words): easier to type and remember, still highly secure when long enough.
Best Practices for Strong, Usable Secrets
- Use unique passwords for every account. Never reuse—if one site leaks, others stay safe.
- Go long: 16–24 chars for critical accounts; 20–28 if you don’t use symbols.
- Exclude look-alike characters (O/0/I/l) to prevent login typos—toggle it in the generator.
- Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible (app-based codes or security keys).
- Use a reputable password manager to store and auto-fill—don’t keep secrets in Notes or email.
- Rotate only when needed (after a breach or policy requirement). Randomly rotating too often can lower quality.
- Never share passwords via email/DMs. If absolutely necessary, use time-limited secret links.
Safe Storage Options (Ranked)
- Password manager (cloud or local vault) — best mix of security and convenience.
- Browser manager (with device passcode/biometrics) — good for personal use, keep devices encrypted.
- Paper backup (in a safe) — acceptable as a secondary recovery method only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using personal info (name, birthdays, phone, pet names).
- Adding “123!” to the end of a word or rotating simple patterns.
- Reusing the same password across multiple websites.
- Storing passwords in plain text files, screenshots, or chat apps.
Team & Compliance Tips (NIST-style)
- Prefer length over mandatory complexity rules that frustrate users.
- Allow all printable characters; block only truly risky patterns (e.g., “password”, known leaked passwords).
- Encourage 2FA and device encryption on all work machines.
Length vs. Estimated Strength (Illustrative)
Type | Example Length | Character Sets | Estimated Strength |
---|---|---|---|
Password | 16 | Upper+Lower+Digits+Symbols | Strong for most use cases |
Password | 24 | Upper+Lower+Digits | Very strong (even without symbols) |
Passphrase | 6 words | Lowercase words | Strong and memorable |
Actual security depends on randomness and site defenses (rate limits, 2FA, breach exposure). Use our generator for
random output and turn on 2FA for important accounts.
FAQs — Passwords & Passphrases
- What is a good password length?
- We recommend 16+ characters for general use and longer for critical accounts.
- Are symbols required?
- No. Length and randomness matter more. If symbols cause compatibility issues, increase length instead.
- Is a passphrase safer than a password?
- It can be, especially at 5–7 random words. Passphrases are easier to type and remember.
- How often should I change passwords?
- Change them after breaches or when shared/compromised. Avoid frequent forced changes that lead to weaker patterns.
- What about excluding look-alike characters?
- Excluding O/0/I/l reduces typo errors. Our generator offers a one-click option for this.
- Should I store passwords in my browser?
- It’s acceptable for personal use if devices are locked and encrypted. For teams, use a dedicated manager with shared vaults.
- Do I still need 2FA if my password is strong?
- Yes. 2FA protects you if a site is breached or you fall for phishing.
- What’s the easiest way to migrate to a password manager?
- Export from your browser/old manager (CSV or encrypted export) and import into the new manager’s vault, then delete the old export.
Get Started
Use the presets above (Strong 16, Very Strong 24, or 6-word passphrase), enable 2FA on key accounts,
and save everything in your password manager. Need help setting up secure workflows for your team?
Contact Rank Ready.