Text Tools
Shuffle Lines
Randomly reorder the lines of a list, useful for draws, quiz questions and fair turn orders.
About the Shuffle Lines
Shuffle Lines puts any list into a random order, and can also pick a few at random, make Secret Santa pairs, or split the list into random groups. Skip blank lines, remove duplicates and number the result, then shuffle again as often as you like.
What you can do with the Shuffle Lines
- Fair shuffle: Puts any list in a truly random order.
- Pick a few: Choose a handful at random from the list.
- Secret Santa and groups: Make gift pairs or split the list into random groups.
- Tidy options: Skip blanks, remove duplicates and number the result.
How the shuffle stays fair
The tool uses the Fisher–Yates shuffle, first described in 1938 and still the standard way to shuffle a list, driven by your browser's cryptographically secure random generator. Even 10 lines can be arranged in 3,628,800 different ways, and each is equally likely.
Secret Santa without a hat
Choose "Secret Santa" and each person is assigned someone to buy a gift for. Because everyone gives to the next name in a shuffled circle, nobody can draw themselves, and the circle includes everyone.
Practical uses
Randomising the order of presentations or quiz questions, choosing who goes first, mixing up flashcards, picking a few names for a task, or splitting a class into random teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shuffle truly random?
It uses your browser's secure random number generator with the Fisher–Yates method, so every order has the same chance.
Can it make teams?
Yes. Choose "Groups" and set the number of groups; sizes never differ by more than one.
Can I pick one random winner instead?
Choose "Pick some" and set it to 1, or use the Random Name Picker for a spinning reveal.
How does Secret Santa make sure nobody gets themselves?
It shuffles the names and links each person to the next one in the list, with the last person giving to the first. Everyone gives once and receives once, and with two or more names nobody draws their own name.
How can I share Secret Santa pairs without spoiling the surprise?
The tool shows all pairs together and does not send messages. Ask one person who is not taking part to run it, or copy the result and send each person only their own line privately.
What happens if the list does not split evenly into groups?
Names are dealt one by one into the groups in turn, so group sizes never differ by more than one. For example, 10 names in 3 groups gives one group of 4 and two groups of 3.
Does Remove duplicates treat "Rahul" and "rahul" as the same?
Yes. Duplicates are matched without regard to capital letters, so "Rahul" and "rahul" count as one and the first spelling is kept. Turn on Skip blank lines too, so names with extra spaces also match.
Can I paste a column from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Copy a single column of cells and paste it into the list box; each cell arrives on its own line. If you copy several columns, each row stays together as one line with tabs between the cells.
How many items can I pick or how many groups can I make?
Pick some lets you choose from 1 to 500 items, and Groups lets you set 2 to 50 groups. If you ask for more picks than there are lines, you get the whole list in random order.
Why did the order change when I switched an option?
Changing a mode, number or option shuffles the list again, just like the Shuffle again button. Copy or download the result before changing settings if you need to keep a particular order, for example a lucky draw.
Can teachers use it to set a random order for presentations?
Yes. Paste the student names or roll numbers, turn on Number the result, and tap Shuffle again. The numbered list gives a fair speaking order for presentations or vivas, which you can copy or download.
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