Table of Contents
How Can I Save or Share My Wheel?
A complete guide to saving and sharing wheels on wheelofnames.name
Key Takeaways
- You can save your custom wheel and its settings to a
.wheelfile on your device, making it easy to restore or use again later. - To load and restore your wheel, use the “Load Wheel from File” option and select your saved
.wheelfile. - There’s a big difference between session data (which only lasts until you close your browser tab) and saving a .wheel file (which can be used any time, anywhere).
- You can instantly share your wheel online using special share buttons for Facebook, Reddit, X.com (Twitter), and more.
- The “Save as App” feature lets you put Wheel of Names right on your device for super-quick access, just like an app.
- Your privacy is well protected when using .wheel files and share features on the site.
- All steps use simple menus. If you get stuck, you can easily reset or ask for help on the website.
Introduction
Hey there! Have you ever made a “spin the wheel” on wheelofnames.name and wished you could use it later, or maybe send it to a friend? Good news—you totally can! In this easy guide, I’m going to walk you through how to save your wheel (so you don’t lose your cool list), load it up again later, and share it online with just a click. We’ll also touch on privacy, explain the difference between session data and real wheel files, and even talk about adding Wheel of Names to your desktop or phone as an app.
Let’s get spinning, saving, and sharing!
What Is Wheel of Names?
Before we go deep on saving and sharing, let’s quickly check what the Wheel of Names does. Wheel of Names is a fun, friendly online tool that helps you pick random names, topics, or ideas by spinning a wheel. You type your choices, customize how your wheel looks and acts, and then, with a click, get a fair, random result. It’s perfect for classrooms, raffles, parties, or any time you need to pick someone or something at random.
You can add colors, sounds, confetti, and even images to the entries. And with all these cool features, sometimes you want to keep your work—or show it off!
Saving Your Wheel: Using the .wheel File
What Is a .wheel File?
Think of a .wheel file as your magic backpack. It keeps all your wheel’s names, settings, images, colors, and any special effects you add. If you save your wheel to a .wheel file, you can load it later and everything is just how you left it.
- File type: .wheel (it’s a plain text file written in a computer code called JSON, but you don’t need to worry about that).
- What it stores: All names, wheel settings, sounds, images, and even custom winner messages.
- Compatible with: Only the WheelofNames.name website or text viewers (for advanced users).
This is so much better than just leaving your work in your internet browser (which forgets what you did as soon as you close the tab)!
Ready to lock in your hard work? Here’s how you save your wheel:
How to Save Your Wheel as a .wheel File
1. Get your wheel just how you like it—names, colors, images, music, whatever!
2. Look for a menu button & option that says “Save Wheel to File.” You might find it under “Menu”, “Advanced”, or “Cast, save and share.”
3. Click it. Your computer or phone will then download a file, usually called something like MyWheel.wheel. You can rename it if you want.
4. Put this file somewhere safe—your Downloads folder, desktop, or any place you remember.
TIP: If you used any special pictures from your device, the file will safely pack those up, too. If you used images from the wheel’s own gallery, the file stores a note of which one you used, not the image itself.
Why save? Saving is SUPER helpful for teachers storing class lists, groups, or daily activities, for event organizers who run the same game many times, or for anyone who wants to make wheels once and use them again and again.
How to Load a .wheel File and Restore Your Wheel
If you’ve saved your wheel, you’ll want to get it back one day. Here’s what to do:
- Open the wheelofnames.name website.
- Hunt for the menu & button that says “Load Wheel from File.”
- Click it! You’ll get a window asking you to pick your saved .wheel file from your device. Go find it, select it, and click “Open.”
- Ta-da! Your wheel instantly appears, exactly how you set it up—colors, names, sounds, and all!
You can now spin the wheel, edit entries, or even save it again after you make more changes.
Difference Between Session Data and .wheel File Saving
It’s easy to get confused because web browsers do something called “session data” all the time. Here’s how they’re different:
| Feature | Session Data (Web Browser) | .wheel File (Saved to Device) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it’s stored | Only in your browser (temporary) | Your own device (real file) |
| How long it lasts | Until you close your tab or clear your history | Forever (until you delete the file) |
| Can you share it easily? | No | Yes, just send the .wheel file to anyone |
| Can you restore it on another device? | No | Yes, just open the file anywhere with wheelofnames.name |
| Custom settings & images? | May be lost if you refresh | Always kept as you saved them |
Session Data is like writing your list on a whiteboard—if you close the page or erase it, it’s gone. .wheel files are like writing it in your notebook—you can take them anywhere
Saving and Sharing Without .wheel Files
You can also use quick share links to let other people see and spin your wheel right away. You don’t always have to save a file for this. Let’s see how to share for fun, for class, or for any group.
How to Share Your Wheel Online
Using the Share Link
After you get your wheel ready, look for a “Share” or “Cast, save and share” button. Here’s what usually happens next:
- Click “Share.”
- A special URL (“link”) will show up. This is just for your wheel.
- Copy the link and send it by email, post it in chat, or paste it anywhere.
Anyone who clicks your link will go straight to your wheel—colors, names, images, and even sounds just how you made them!
- This is great for teachers wanting to share spelling word wheels, friends setting up party games, or club leaders running a fair draw.
- If you make changes and want your friends to see those, you’ll need to create and share a new link.
NOTE: The link doesn’t let other people change your original wheel. They can spin it or copy it, but you’re always in control!
Sharing on Facebook
Want to share with your friends or your class on Facebook? Here’s how:
- Click the “Facebook” share button (found near the Share button).
- A window pops up (or a new tab opens) with your wheel’s link and a preview.
- Add a message or tag friends, then post!
When your friends click, they’re taken right to YOUR wheel, ready to spin and play. It’s perfect for class activities, family games, or party planning
Sharing on Reddit
Reddit is super for sharing fun classroom ideas, community raffles, or games. Here’s your step-by-step:
- Click the “Reddit” share button from your wheel.
- Fill in the title and select the Reddit community (“subreddit”) you want. Type a comment if you want.
- Click “Post.”
Everyone on Reddit can talk about your wheel, spin it, and even make their own versions. If you’ve ever seen teachers share teaching tools online, you know how useful this is!
Sharing on X.com (formerly Twitter)
What about X (used to be called Twitter)? Easy!
- Click the “X” or “Twitter” share button.
- A tweet window opens up filled out with your wheel link and a quick message.
- Add a hashtag, tag your friends, or write a custom message—then post!
This method is quick for parties, sports games, contests, or starting a classroom conversation. Anyone who follows your tweet can try out your wheel right from their timeline.
More Ways to Save or Share: Quick and Advanced Methods
Save As a Progressive Web App (“Save as App” Feature)
Have you ever wanted to use your favorite website like a real app—just one tap away? Wheel of Names lets you do this!
On Your Computer:
- Look in your Chrome browser for the menu at the top right.
- Find “Cast, save and share” and pick “Save as App” or “Create shortcut.”
- Choose whether to make a desktop icon or have the site pop up in its own window.
- Now, the icon acts just like an app—click it, and Wheel of Names opens, even if your browser isn’t up
On Your Phone:
- Open Wheel of Names in your browser.
- Tap the browser menu (the three dots).
- Pick “Add to Home Screen.”
- You get an icon just like a real app. Tap it, and your wheel opens in a snap!
Why use the app feature? It’s the fastest way to get back to your wheels and keep your saved lists close at hand.
Privacy and Security of .wheel Files
You might worry: “Is my stuff safe when I save or share my wheel?” Here are the basics:
- .wheel files are private: They are stored only on your device unless you send them to someone. And since they’re just text and images, you’re not sending out any secret passwords or sensitive data.
- Your browser data: Wheel of Names is private-friendly. It respects privacy rules (like GDPR and COPPA) and does not secretly grab your information.
- Public wheels shared by link: Only share links with people you trust, since anyone with the link can see your wheel. But unless you send a link, your wheel is private.
TIP: Never save passwords, addresses, or personal secrets in your wheel entries!
If you’re still worried about privacy, you can read the detailed policy on the site.
Using Wheel Files on Different Devices
Want to use your custom wheel at home, on your classroom computer, or at a friend’s house? As long as you bring your .wheel file, you can!
How:
- Save the .wheel file on a flash drive, email it to yourself, or use cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox).
- Open wheelofnames.name on any device (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, tablet, or phone).
- Use “Load Wheel from File” to upload your .wheel file.
You get the same awesome wheel, every time.
Quick Reference Guide: Saving vs. Sharing
Here’s a handy table for when to save, when to share, and how to pick the right method:
| Goal | Best Method | How to Do It | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save for later (private) | Save as .wheel file | Menu > Save Wheel to File | Full backup. All settings. |
| Restore an old wheel | Load .wheel file | Menu > Load Wheel from File | Zero setup. Fast. |
| Let someone spin online | Share link | Share > Copy & Send Link | Instant sharing. |
| Post to social media | Facebook/Reddit/X buttons | Share > Pick Social Media Button | Public and fun |
| Quick app access | Save as App/Add to Home | Menu > Save as App/Add to Home | Fast startup. Always ready |
What If I Want to Edit or Reset My Wheel?
Made a mistake? No problem!
- Edit your wheel: Just change the names or options in your wheel and use “Update List” to make it live.
- Reset everything: Choose “Restart All” or “Reset.” You’re back to square one with a blank wheel.
For teachers or group leaders: You can make one master wheel, save it, and then reload or share it for every class or club meeting.
FAQs: Tips for Common Situations
Can I share my .wheel file with someone else to use?
Yes! They just need to open the wheelofnames.name website, click “Load Wheel from File,” and pick your .wheel file from their own device.
My browser lost my wheel after I closed the tab. What happened?
Unless you use private browsing, if you use normal mode browsing it will always save the steps you have set up before.
Can I save more than one wheel?
Absolutely. Save each wheel as a different .wheel file (like ScienceClass.wheel, PartyPicker.wheel, etc.).
If I share my wheel’s link, can other people change my wheel?
No. They can spin it or copy it, but your version won’t change.
Can I make my own background or add pictures on my entries?
Yes! You can upload images as backgrounds, center images, or as part of your wheel’s choices.
Final Checklist: Best Practices for Saving and Sharing Your Wheel
- Double-check your names and options before saving or sharing.
- Always save your favorite wheels as a .wheel file—don’t trust browser memory alone.
- Use social share buttons if you want to play a wheel with your class, group, or online community.
- Don’t put any private info in your wheel.
- If you want super-fast access, add Wheel of Names as an app or shortcut on your home screen or desktop.
- Back up your files if they’re important—email them to yourself or keep copies in the cloud.
Conclusion
You’re now a pro at saving and sharing your Wheel of Names! Whether you need to keep lots of wheels for your classes, plan family games, or just want to make spinning more fun, you have every tool you need.
Just remember:
- Use the .wheel file for personal, safe backups.
- Share links instantly for online fun or social media.
- Want even more speed? Make the site an app on your computer or phone.
Go ahead—spin, save, share, and most of all, have fun!