Question 1

How does the random name picker choose a name?

Accepted Answer

It builds an eligible list from the names you paste, applies your duplicate setting, then draws with the browser’s cryptographic random source. Animation only reveals winners that were already chosen.

Question 2

What does without replacement mean?

Accepted Answer

Each pick removes the winner from the remaining pool so the same person is not drawn again until you reset winners. With replacement allows the same name to win more than once in a multi-pick.

Question 3

What happens if the same name appears twice?

Accepted Answer

Preserve keeps both as separate entries, so that name is twice as likely. Remove exact or case-insensitive duplicates keeps the first occurrence only.

Question 4

Are my names uploaded or shared?

Accepted Answer

No. The list stays in your browser. Drafts can be saved on this device. Nothing is sent to a server, and names are never put in the page address.

Question 5

Is this certified fair for contests?

Accepted Answer

No. It uses the browser’s cryptographic random generator for casual classroom and giveaway use. It is not audited or legally certified as a contest drawing system.