What is DrawDibs? How the who-gets-what picker works

DrawDibs is a free "who-gets-what" picker. A host pastes a list of items (dishes for a potluck, chores, gift swap numbers, party jobs) and shares one link. Each person who opens the link spins for a random item that nobody else has, adds their name, and sends a reply link back so the host knows who has what. There are no accounts, no app to install and no signup, and the list text never reaches DrawDibs' server.

What DrawDibs is for

DrawDibs answers "who brings, has dibs on, wins, picks, gets, or does what?" Common uses:

• Potlucks and parties: who brings which dish, so there are no duplicates (guide)
• Gift swaps: white elephant turn order and Secret Santa gift themes (guide)
• Chores: a fair chore wheel for families and roommates (guide)
• Classrooms and groups: class party sign-ups, classroom jobs, report topics (guide)
• Trips and game nights: camping gear, road trip duties, murder mystery characters, draft order

Ready-made lists for all of these are in Discover.

How it works

1. The host creates a list. On drawdibs.com, enter a list name and paste items, one per line (or comma-separated). Up to 100 items, each up to 80 characters. Bullets and duplicates are cleaned up automatically.
2. The host decides whether to take something. Choose Nothing, I'm hosting, I'll choose mine, or Spin for me too.
3. The host shares one link, by text, group chat or social post, or as a QR code.
4. Each guest draws. Opening the link and tapping Draw my dibs spins a picker that lands on a random item still open. Once an item is claimed, no one else can get it.
5. The guest sends their name back. They enter their name and share a reply link (or QR code) with the host.
6. The host tracks claims. The host's list page shows claimed and open items and refreshes every few seconds. Opening a guest's reply link on the host's device records that guest's name next to their item. The host can copy a summary with Save results.

Options

• Picker styles: wheel, slot reel, card shuffle, or instant.
• Guests can change the picker style: otherwise everyone uses the host's choice.
• Keep the other items secret: guests only see the item they win. Good for murder mystery roles or surprise gift themes.
• Take all the fun out of it: guests see the whole list and choose their item instead of spinning.
• Edit after sharing: remove items nobody has claimed, or add items (which creates an updated link to share again).
• Streamer window: a separate screen for showing claims live on a stream or TV.
• My lists: lists you've hosted and items you've claimed are saved on your device.

Privacy

DrawDibs is built so the list content never touches its server:

• The list name, items and guest names travel inside the link (after the #, which browsers don't send to servers) and are saved in the browser.
• The server stores only a random list code, a scrambled copy of the host's private key, the number of items, and which item numbers are claimed or removed, with times.
• Lists are deleted after about four months (120 days).
• Because the host's list lives on the device that created it, the host manages it from that device.

Limits

• Up to 100 items per list, 80 characters per item.
• One draw per person per list on each device.
• There's no automatic "can't draw yourself" rule, so it isn't designed for classic name-based Secret Santa pairing. Use it for gift themes or turn order instead.
• There are no email reminders or contact collection. Guests send a reply link to the host.

FAQ

Is DrawDibs free?

Yes. Some pages may show an ad, but there's no paid plan needed to make or share lists.

Do I need an account?

No. Neither hosts nor guests sign up.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. It runs in any modern phone, tablet or computer browser, with nothing to install.

How is DrawDibs different from a sign-up sheet?

A sign-up sheet lets people pick first-come-first-served. DrawDibs assigns items at random by default, which spreads popular and unpopular items fairly. The host can switch to letting guests choose.

How is it different from a random name picker or spinner wheel?

A spinner wheel picks one result for one person on one screen. DrawDibs gives each person their own draw from a shared list on their own phone, and makes sure no item is handed out twice.

Who makes DrawDibs?

DrawDibs is run by Oso Innovative, LLC. Contact: support@drawdibs.com.

Start a list or browse ready-made lists.