Step-by-step instructions
Prepare eligible entries
Place one eligible name or label on each line. Use distinct labels for different people with the same name.
Set how many to select
Choose the number of picks. It must be no greater than the number of retained entries and cannot exceed 100 per batch.
Pick and keep the batch
Select Pick names. Save the result before another generation; remove earlier selections manually if they must not return in a later batch.
Worked example
An informal event has ten eligible attendees and two door prizes. Staff who are ineligible are excluded before drawing.
One valid result is shown below. Your generated outcome will vary.
Example input
Alex Jamie Morgan Taylor Sam Jordan Casey Riley Drew Avery
Example result
1. Alex 2. Jordan
Two different entries are selected in a single batch. Prize order follows the displayed order only if that rule was agreed beforehand.
Plan for an absent or ineligible selected attendee
Set a clear replacement process before the draw. You can select winners plus ordered alternates in one batch, or remove winners before a later replacement draw. The tool does not check attendance at announcement time, remember winners, or send notifications. Save the output immediately so another click cannot replace the record you intended to announce.
Settings and limits to check
The example has 10 retained entries. Selections within a batch are without replacement: an input entry cannot be picked twice in that batch. The tool does not identify the person behind an entry, check eligibility, or remember past draws. Remove duplicates matches identical trimmed text and is case-sensitive. Repeated labels or multiple labels for one person can change the intended odds.
Settings used in this example
How many: 2 Remove duplicate entries: On
Keep a usable copy of the result
Use Copy to place the current result in your own notes, or Download to keep a text file. Keep the eligible input list with the result when you need to explain which entries took part. A new generation replaces the displayed result rather than adding to a saved history.
The tool runs in your browser and does not upload your input. Save the result before refreshing or leaving the page. If other people need to use the same outcome, share your saved copy rather than asking them to generate another independent result.
Frequently asked questions
Can I draw two winners and one alternate together?
Yes. Choose a count of three and decide in advance that the third position is the alternate.
Does another click exclude earlier selections?
No. Each generation starts from the current input. Remove previous selections yourself if they must be excluded.
Can I enter things other than names?
Yes. The picker treats each line as text, so it can choose questions, words, topics, or participant IDs.
What should I check in the worked example?
Two different entries are selected in a single batch. Prize order follows the displayed order only if that rule was agreed beforehand.