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
A dataset has 12 record IDs. Four records will be selected for a small process-check exercise.
One valid result is shown below. Your generated outcome will vary.
Example input
R001 R002 R003 R004 R005 R006 R007 R008 R009 R010 R011 R012
Example result
1. R004 2. R003 3. R010 4. R009
Four distinct IDs are chosen from the supplied frame. The output does not include the underlying records unless you enter those details yourself.
The sampling frame determines what can be represented
Random selection cannot recover records missing from the source list. Define the population, use one record per eligible unit, and check for duplicate IDs. This tool does not calculate a statistically suitable sample size, enforce strata, or turn a convenience list into a representative population sample. Keep the frame and draw settings with your saved selection.
Settings and limits to check
The example has 12 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: 4 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 the picker choose a representative survey sample automatically?
It performs selection from your list. Representativeness also depends on the sampling frame, design, response, and other factors outside the picker.
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?
Four distinct IDs are chosen from the supplied frame. The output does not include the underlying records unless you enter those details yourself.