The Hat

Current version: 3.1.1.1

"I'm first!" "No I'm first!"
"No, I called it!" "Well I'm second!"
"OK then Dustin is last because he's youngest!"
"That's not fair, I'm always last!"

Sound familiar? If you are a parent of two or more children, the answer is most likely a resounding "Yes!". Never fear, help is here!

Introducing The Hat Deluxe, a powerful Windows solution that offers a fun and easy way to automatically determine a random order from a list of any amount of names. You can even use it to pick individual names for raffle and sweepstakes winners or pick any amount of names at a time to divide a large group into random smaller groups, complete with cool animation and sound effects. Click here to buy now. or watch a cool demo video.

Comparison to free version:

Features:	Deluxe version	Free version
Number of names allowed in lists	Unlimited	20
Ability to save and load lists and import/export lists from text files	Yes	No
Graphical "containers" from which to virtually draw names	Top hat, beach bucket, treasure chest, pumpkin bucket	Top hat

Click here for a video of The Hat in action.

Recent changes:

Fixed issue with list printing functionality.

Key Features

Simple, easy-to-use interface.

Great for teachers or parents.

Handles any size list of names.

Import names from a text file or paste from the Clipboard.

Save and load lists for different occasions, classes, etc. from within the program

Optional special effects while shuffling names.

Pick names one at a time from a cool, graphical, virtual container or pick any number of names in groups to select random smaller groups from a large group.

Cool animation and sound effects when drawing names. Actually shows names being drawn from a hat or bucket.

Fairly settle arguments between kids about "who goes first", etc.

Print or save results to a file for future reference.

Great for Parents!

Just like pulling names from a hat to determine a random order for a group of people, The Hat generates a random order from a list of any number of names. This can prove very handy for parents or teachers who need to assign a random order in which to allow any size group of kids to do actvities or perform tasks such as play video games, use the computer, or do chores.

Names can be entered in several different way. You can enter them manually by typing one at a time, paste them from the Clipboard, or impport them from a text file. You can also save and load lists within the program. Once a list of names is entered, you can click the "Shuffle" button to rearrange them into a random order. The list is "shuffled" rapidly and repeatedly (optionally with fun animation and sound effects) until the "Stop" button is clicked. At that time the list is displayed in the new, random order and can be printed for future reference or copied to the clipboard for pasting into other applications.

The list of names can be optionally be remembered between sessions so that the next time you open the program, the same list of names is already entered.

Great for raffles and sweepstakes!

The Hat also allows you to pick individual names one at a time. This is done using cool animation which actually shows the names coming out of a hat on golden tickets or, optionally, a colorful beach bucket on seashells, or a snazzy pirate treasure chest on golden coins, all complete with sound effects. This is perfect for picking winners of raffles, sweepstakes, and other contests.

Great for teachers to assign partners or split classes into random groups!

You can also specify how many names are drawn at a time in case you need to randomly choose pairs or make random smaller groups from a large group to play games or do assignments or chores.

Best of all, The Hat is completely free to download and use as long as you like with no restrictions!

Click here to buy now.