How to Pick a Random Winner Fairly

1. Collect all entries in one list, one name per line.
2. Open the Random Name Picker and paste the list.
3. Set how many winners you need.
4. Press Pick and note the result.

A fair draw gives every entry the same chance and is decided before you look at who is on the list. Do not pick by hand, by 'feeling' or by the order of the entries. The picker uses your browser's secure random source, so no name is favoured by its position in the list.

• Remove accidental duplicates, such as the same person entering twice when only one entry is allowed. The Remove Duplicate Lines tool does this in a second.
• Remove people who do not meet the rules, before the draw and not after it.
• Check spelling, so the winner can be found and contacted.

If someone earns two entries, for example for sharing a post, put their name on two lines. Their chance doubles, which is what you want, and the rest of the process stays the same.

For several prizes, set 'How many to pick' to the number of prizes. One name cannot win twice in the same draw. To draw prizes one at a time, such as a first and a second prize, tick 'Remove picked names from the list' and draw again.

• Announce the rules and the closing time before the draw.
• Share the number of entries and the date of the draw.
• Record your screen while you draw, or take a screenshot of the list and the result.
• Draw a reserve winner in case the first one does not respond.

Platforms have their own rules for promotions, and some countries regulate prize draws, especially when entering costs money or when the prize has a high value. Read the rules of the platform you use and of your country before you start. This guide covers the draw itself, not the legal side.

The list stays in your browser. The names are not uploaded or stored by Toolpuffin.