Randomize Lines

Use this Randomize Lines tool to shuffle a list where each line is treated as a separate item. Paste your text (one item per line) and generate a randomized ordering instantly. This is useful for picking contest winners, randomizing quiz questions, shuffling playlist order, creating random samples from datasets, or any situation where you need a fair random ordering.

The tool uses an unbiased shuffle algorithm (Fisher–Yates) so every line has an equal chance to appear in any position. If you need repeatable results, add a seed so the same input and seed produce the same output. You can also keep the first line fixed (headers) or pick only N random lines when you just need winners.

Line Randomizer Tool

Shuffle lines fairly (Fisher–Yates) with options for trimming, headers, seeds, and picking winners.

Leave empty for non-deterministic randomness.

1–50. Multiple shuffles can be useful for repeated sampling.

Select winners without replacement from the shuffled list.

How to randomize text lines

  1. Paste your text (one item per line).
  2. Optional: enable ignore empty lines or trim whitespace.
  3. Optional: keep first line fixed (header) or set a seed.
  4. Click Randomize Lines.
  5. Copy or download the shuffled result.

Examples

Shuffle a list of names

Ana George Mihai Ioana

After (example):

Ioana Mihai Ana George

Randomize quiz questions

Q1: ... Q2: ... Q3: ...

After (example):

Q2: ... Q3: ... Q1: ...

Options

  • Ignore empty lines
  • Trim whitespace (left/right/both)
  • Keep first line fixed (headers)
  • Seeded shuffle (reproducible)
  • Shuffle multiple times (N iterations)
  • Pick N random lines (sample without replacement)

Is the shuffle fair?

A fair shuffle means every line has the same probability to end up in any position. Fisher–Yates is the standard unbiased approach for this.

Troubleshooting

  • Blank lines in output: enable “ignore empty lines”.
  • Looks not random: randomness can produce patterns; rerun or set a different seed.
  • Duplicates: this tool shuffles; it does not remove duplicates (use Remove Duplicate Lines).
  • Whitespace issues: enable trim whitespace.

Common questions

Does this tool remove duplicates?

No. This tool shuffles lines. If you need deduplication, use Remove Duplicate Lines.

Can I ignore empty lines?

Yes. Enable “Ignore empty lines” to drop blank lines before shuffling.

Can I keep the header line in place?

Yes. Enable “Keep first line fixed (header)” to keep the first line unchanged and shuffle the rest.

Can I shuffle using a fixed seed?

Yes. Enter a seed to get reproducible results. The same input + seed produces the same output.

Can I pick only N random lines (winners) instead of shuffling everything?

Yes. Set “Pick N random lines” to select a subset without replacement.

Is Fisher–Yates unbiased?

Yes. Fisher–Yates is the standard unbiased shuffle when paired with a good random number generator.

Does the tool work with large lists?

It works well for typical copy/paste sized inputs. For extremely large lists, consider splitting into chunks.

Can I download the result as TXT?

Yes. Use the Download button to save the shuffled output.

Does the order change every time?

Yes by default. If you provide a seed, the output becomes repeatable.

Is my text uploaded to a server?

No. The shuffle runs in your browser; your text stays on your device.

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