How to use the CSV Draw Tool
Draw it live makes it easy to pick random entries for contests, raffles, or classroom activities. Follow these steps to get started:
- Quick Entry (Fast Option): For small draws, click "Quick Entry" to manually add up to 10 entries directly without creating a CSV file. Perfect for quick decisions and small groups!
- Prepare your CSV File: For larger lists, create a file with names or entries, one per line. You can use Excel, Google Sheets, or a simple text editor.
- Upload: Drag and drop your file into the box above, or click "Select CSV File".
- Configure: Choose if you want to celebrate with confetti, remove entries after they are picked (good for multiple prizes), or remove duplicate names to ensure fair odds.
- Draw: Click the main button to pick an entry instantly!
Note: If your file has a header row (like "Names"), it will be included in the draw unless you remove it. The tool automatically trims empty lines.
Key Features
- Client-Side Security: Unlike other tools, Draw it live processes your CSV file directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your sensitive data (names, emails, IDs) is never uploaded to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and GDPR compliance.
- Instant & Fun: Experience zero latency. The draw happens instantly with a delightful confetti celebration to build excitement for your audience.
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Flexible Configuration:
- Remove selected entry: Perfect for raffles with multiple different prizes where one person shouldn't win twice.
- De-duplication: Automatically cleans your list by removing duplicate text entries to ensure fair odds for everyone.
Why Choose Draw it live?
We designed this tool to simply be the best way to pick a winner online. Whether you are a teacher picking a student, an event organizer selecting a door prize, or a streamer giving away a sub, speed and trust are paramount.
- 100% Private: Your data never leaves your device. We use client-side technology to process your file right in your browser.
- Fair & Random: We use the browser's cryptographically strong random number generation capabilities where available.
- No Signup Required: Use the tool instantly without accounts or logins.
- Universal Support: Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
We support standard `.csv` files. Each line is treated as an entry. If there are commas on a line, we take the first column as the entry value.
No. All processing happens in your browser using JavaScript. We never see your data.
Yes! Since the site is a static web app, once it is loaded, you can disconnect from the internet and it will still work.
The code runs openly in your browser. We simply pick a random index from your list array.
The tool treats every line as an entry. If you have a header like "Name", it might be picked. You should remove headers or restart if the header is picked.
Yes, Draw it live is fully responsive and works great on iPhones and Android devices.
Yes! Use the Quick Entry feature to manually add up to 10 entries directly without creating a CSV file. Perfect for small, quick draws. For larger lists, you can upload a CSV file or use our Generator to create one quickly.
If this is checked, the selected entry is removed from the pool so they cannot win again in subsequent draws.
Every random number generator is slightly different. We use the standard browser implementation which is sufficient for non-cryptographic raffles.
Deduplication removes exact text matches. "John Smith" and "John Smith" will become just one entry if enabled. "John" and "john" are treated as different.
It depends on your device's memory, but we have tested lists with thousands of entries without issues.
Yes, Draw it live is 100% free to use.
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Ensure your file ends in
.csv. - Check that the file is not empty.
- If using Excel, save as "CSV UTF-8".
- Refresh the page if the application becomes unresponsive.
- Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings.