How to use the random name picker

Use this page as the operating manual for Fair Name Picker: paste lists, dedupe, Winners count, Elimination, Pick winner, saved lists, and database sample tools.

Workflow

1. Prepare the list and fix duplicates with Dedupe when prompted. The active list count updates; everyone eligible has equal weight in the next shuffle.
2. Set Winners and toggle Elimination if repeat winners should be blocked this session. Pick winner will refuse counts above eligible pool size and respects wonHistory when elimination is on.
3. Press Pick winner (or wait through Drawing… if animation runs). Winners appear in the reveal area and pick history updates; live region announces names.
4. Press Copy results to paste winners elsewhere. Clipboard receives one name per line for the latest reveal.
5. Use Reset history to clear elimination tracking and past pick rounds. wonHistory and pickHistory clear; the name list itself stays unless you edit it.
6. Save named lists in Options when you reuse the same roster weekly. Saved lists load back into the textarea on this device only.

Worked examples

• Classroom cold call: Paste 28 student names, Dedupe nicknames, enable Elimination, set Winners to 1, and Pick winner between questions. Reset history at period end.
• Three door prizes: Paste entrants, set Winners to 3 with Elimination on so the same person cannot win twice in one event. Copy results into your own spreadsheet.
• Presentation order: Skip Pick winner; open Options and press Shuffle order to randomize the entire textarea, then read names top to bottom.

Before you roll

Paste or type one name per line in Names (one per line). Review the duplicate counter and press Dedupe when the same person appears twice with different casing.

Set Winners to how many names to draw this round and decide whether Elimination should remove past winners from later draws.

Open Options for Load database, Load sample, Shuffle order, saved lists, and Reduced motion.

For real classes or giveaways, prefer your own pasted roster instead of the built-in name sample.

If something looks wrong

If Pick winner is disabled, the list may be empty or still animating—wait for Drawing… to finish.

If someone seems missing, check Elimination and Reset history, or whether Dedupe removed a duplicate you intended to keep separate.

If Load database overwrote your list, reload a saved personal list or undo by pasting from your roster source.

If winner count errors appear, lower Winners to match eligible names (list length minus elimination exclusions).

Mobile and keyboard notes

The names textarea accepts standard mobile paste from roster apps.

Pick winner and Copy results are large buttons on the main panel.

Show options reveals database and saved-list tools without clearing the textarea.

Reduced motion helps users who prefer immediate text results without animation.