Fair selection is more than clicking a button. You need a method you can explain and reproduce. The SnipText Random Number and Name Picker gives you fair draws with no repeat sampling, weighted chances, seeded randomness, and a clear audit trail, all in your browser.
What the tool is
- Name mode: paste names, one per line. Add optional weights with a colon, for example Alex:3.
- Number mode: set a min and max, exclude values, and draw one or many in a single click.
- Team generator: split people into balanced teams based on total weight.
- Shareable state: copy a link that restores your list and options anywhere.
Quick start
- Open Random Picker.
- Paste names or switch to Number mode and set a range.
- Turn on No repeat to avoid duplicate winners.
- Enable Seeded and enter a seed if you need a reproducible sequence.
- Click Pick. Copy the result or export History as CSV.
- Weights: chance equals weight divided by total weight. Use this to reflect attendance or contributions.
- Seeding: reuse the same seed and list order to reproduce the same sequence for audits and lesson demos.
- No repeat vs independent: use no repeat when everyone should win once before repeats. Turn it off when repeats are allowed.
- Clean lists: prepare names with the Text ↔ List Converter and Remove Empty Lines for tidy inputs.
Advanced options you will love
- Exclusions and multi draw: skip specific numbers and draw several at once for seat numbers or ticket IDs.
- Balanced teams: keep total weights similar across groups for fair games and labs.
- Import and export entries: bring CSV or TXT lists and export lists for reuse.
- History export: download CSV for a transparent audit trail and post event reports.
Use cases
- Raffles and giveaways: public draws with a seed and a CSV export for full transparency.
- Classrooms: rotate student questions with no repeat, then form balanced teams for group work.
- Standups and sprints: pick presenters or reviewers, and share the state link with your team.
Related guides and tools
- Case Converter guide and the tool to standardize names.
- Text ↔ List Converter guide and the tool to clean lists.
- Word Counter guide and the tool for instructions and limits.
- Unit Converter guide and the tool for event metrics and lab prep.
Try it now
FAQ
- Is the Random Picker free
- Yes. It is free and private. No sign in required.
- How do I add weights
- Add a colon and number after the name, for example Taylor:2.
- Can I restore my session on another device
- Yes. Use Share to copy a link that restores your list and settings.
- How do I avoid duplicate winners
- Turn on No repeat. Winners are removed from the pool until you reset.
- Can I export an audit trail
- Yes. Download History as CSV and keep the seed for reproducible results.