Text Randomizer add-on for Google Sheets
Features
Text Randomizer converts a spreadsheet into a customizable random text generator suitable for use with tabletop role-playing games.
Compose random words, phrases, numbers, and names to generate more complex text - for example, detailed characters, objects, foes, locations, or anything you need to add a spark of unpredictability and spontaneity to your game sessions. Build your generators using simple syntax, then generate results with the click of a button. Includes the option to generate random names and words to match the flavor of your campaign.
A usage reference is included in the add-on menu, as well as example data to get started. Text Randomizer is completely free.
Links:
Usage Reference
Text Randomizer converts a spreadsheet into a customizable random text generator. Once installed in a Google Sheet, it can be accessed from the Add-ons menu. First, construct random text generators - this process is described below. Once generators are constructed, access the Text Randomizer interface by selecting "Open" from the Text Randomizer menu. Text can be generated from the interface with the click of a button.There are four main tools for constructing random text generators: making a random selection, generating a random number, making a one-time selection, and assigning random results to a variable. Each utilizes curly braces { } (note that curly braces { } should never be placed inside another set of curly braces.)
Any number of sheets may be used, but two special sheet names are reserved - Endpoints and Names. These are discussed below.
Use column headers to define a label for a random selection of possible options. Labels should be written without spaces. For example: "rare_gem"
Use the rows beneath a given label to define the possible options for that label:
| rare_gem |
|---|
| diamond |
| ruby |
| black opal |
| sapphire |
| moonstone |
Once a random selection has been defined, it can be used in other options by surrounding the label with curly braces { }
| rare_gem | treasure |
|---|---|
| diamond | a magic ring |
| ruby | a sparkling {rare_gem} |
| black opal | |
| sapphire | |
| moonstone |
Use a pound # character to generate a random number. The minimum and maximum possible values are separated by a dash - . Note that negative numbers cannot be generated (as a workaround, simply place a "-" sign before the curly brackets).
| rare_gem | treasure |
|---|---|
| diamond | a magic ring |
| ruby | a sparkling {rare_gem} |
| black opal | {#100-300} silver coins |
| sapphire | |
| moonstone |
Define a one-time selection by placing a list of options inside square braces [ ] separated by vertical bars | . This is useful for situations where defining a whole column of options would be overkill.
| rare_gem | treasure |
|---|---|
| diamond | a magic ring |
| ruby | a sparkling {rare_gem} |
| black opal | {#100-300} {[grubby copper|silver|gold]} coins |
| sapphire | |
| moonstone |
Lastly, define a variable using the at @ character. The first time a variable is used it must be assigned a value by following it with a colon : and any of the generator options defined above - a random selection label, a random number, or a one-time selection. Then the randomly assigned value can be reused by referencing the variable name. Variable names cannot have spaces.
| rare_gem | treasure |
|---|---|
| diamond | a magic ring |
| ruby | a sparkling {rare_gem} |
| black opal | {#200-300} {[grubby copper|silver|gold]} coins |
| sapphire | a crown with a small {@crown_gem:rare_gem} on each point, and a huge {@crown_gem} in the center |
| moonstone |
There are two special Sheets that Text Randomizer treats differently - Endpoints and Names.
A sheet named Endpoints is required. It is where the top-level random generators are defined which will appear as buttons in the Text Randomizer interface. Using the example labels above, the following example endpoints might be defined:
| Single Treasure | Treasure Hoard |
|---|---|
| {treasure} | {treasure}, |
| {treasure}, | |
| and {treasure} |
When the Text Randomizer interface is opened, two buttons will be present - a button for "Single Treasure", which generates a single random treasure, and a button for "Treasure Hoard", which generates three random treasures. The Endpoints sheet has a couple of key usage differences:
- The headers, which will determine the button names in the interface, can have spaces and punctuation.
- Multiple rows are used to generate a multi-line result, not to provide multiple possible options.
Inclusion of a sheet called Names is optional. Use the Names sheet to randomly generate new words or names. As in a regular sheet, each column header defines a label that can be used in curly braces { } to produce a randomized result. However, the rows below the header consist of sample names that will be used to generate new names, rather than a list of predefined options. For example:
| sword_name | monster_name |
|---|---|
| excalibur | balrog |
| callandor | dracula |
| longclaw | godzilla |
| stormbringer | falkor |
| glamdring | modron |
Labels defined in the Names sheet can be used just like other random selection labels.
| rare_gem | treasure |
|---|---|
| diamond | a magic ring |
| ruby | a sparkling {rare_gem} |
| black opal | {#200-300} {[grubby copper|silver|gold]} coins |
| sapphire | a crown with a small {@crown_gem:rare_gem} on each point, and a huge {@crown_gem} in the center |
| moonstone | the fabled sword {sword_name} |
Be aware that name generator results are dependent on the quality and quantity of sample names provided. A minimum of 30 sample names is suggested, and 100 or more are recommended for best results. If too few samples are provided, it is possible that the generator may produce results identical to the samples names.
Select Load examples from the Text Randomizer menu to see these examples in action.
Privacy Policy
The Text Randomizer add-on requires access to the active spreadsheet only. Data in the active spreadsheet is used only to define names and options for randomized text generators that are made accessible to the user in the sidebar interface. No additional user data is accessed, collected, stored, used, or shared in any way. The services that invoke authorizations from the user are the Spreadsheet service (allows the app to read data from the active spreadsheet to generate randomized text and insert required sheets and example data into the active spreadsheet) and the Ui service (allows the app to display the sidebar interface and user reference dialog window).
Terms of Service
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) are a legal agreement between the developer of Text Randomizer, Max White, herein “I” or "me", and the person or entity agreeing to the terms herein (“You”, “you”, or "your"). By using or accessing any part of Text Randomizer (the “Service”), You agree that You have read, understand, and agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions contained herein. If You do not agree to these Terms, You must not use or access the Service.
Text Randomizer is Google Sheets add-on which requires a G Suite account that will be the owner of any files managed by the Service. You may connect to the Service using any Internet browser supported by the Service. You understand and acknowledge that You are solely responsible for obtaining the Internet access and all equipment necessary to use the Service and for appropriately configuring Your G Suite account. You also understand and agree that content you store through your use of the Service will be made available to Google as part of Google providing the G Suite service.
I reserves the right to update and change the Terms of Service upon notice from time to time. You will be provided notice of any such modification by the publishing of such on the website http://www.maxjwhite.com/text-randomizer. You may terminate your use of the Service if the Terms are modified in a manner that substantially affects your rights in connection with use of the Service. Your continued use of the Service after any such changes shall constitute your consent to such changes. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at http://www.maxjwhite.com/text-randomizer.
I may make changes to the Service from time to time. I will notify you of any material changes or modifications. Any updates, upgrades, additions or new features to the Service, including the release of new tools and resources, shall be subject to these Terms and may require you to agree to additional terms and conditions.
You are solely responsible for granting the Service access to your G Suite files and revoking such access when you cease use of the Service. Subject to your compliance with these Terms and the Google Acceptable Use Policy (available at https://cloud.google.com/terms/aup) I hereby grant you a limited, revocable, non-transferable non-exclusive, non-sublicensable license to access and use the Service, solely for your own internal use.
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Warranty Disclaimer
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Limitation of Liability
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