What is a Picker Wheel / Random Wheel Generator?

A Picker Wheel, also known as a Random Wheel Generator, spinner wheel, or decision wheel, is an interactive tool used to make a random selection from a list of items you provide. You input your choices (names, tasks, prizes, places, etc.) using the list panel, and the wheel visually spins before landing on a randomly chosen "winner".

It's a fun and impartial way to:

• Make decisions (e.g., "What's for dinner?", "Which game to play?").
• Randomly assign tasks or groups.
• Select winners for contests or giveaways.
• Add excitement to classroom activities or presentations.
• Break indecision!

How Does This Picker Wheel Work?

This tool uses HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript to function entirely in your browser:

• Adding/Removing Items: Type items into the input box and click '+' or press Enter. Items appear in the list below. Click the '×' next to an item to remove it.
• Drawing the Wheel: The visual wheel updates automatically. It divides a circle into equal, colored segments, one for each item, displaying the text within its segment.
• Spinning: Click the central "SPIN" button. The tool calculates a random stopping angle. The entire wheel canvas animates, spinning fast initially and slowing down smoothly before stopping.
• Selecting the Winner: A fixed pointer at the top indicates the winning segment when the wheel stops.
• Displaying the Result: A pop-up modal appears with a confetti effect, clearly announcing the winning item. Click "Done" to close the modal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many items can I add?
  The wheel becomes visually crowded with too many items (e.g., over 30-40), but you need at least 2 to spin.
• Is the spin truly random?
  It uses your browser's pseudo-random number generator (`Math.random()`), effectively random for general purposes.
• Can I customize the colors or spin speed?
  This version uses default settings. Customization is not included.
• Are my items saved?
  No, the list exists only in your current browser session.
• Why does the text look small/cut off?
  Fitting text neatly in thin segments is challenging. Font size adjusts, and long text may be truncated.
• Can I embed this wheel?
  Yes, this code is self-contained and designed with WordPress embedding in mind (ID: `#picker-wheel-tool-v6`).
• Is this Picker Wheel tool free?
  Yes, it's completely free.