Free Crossword Maker
Type words and clues and get a numbered crossword grid. Solve it on screen or print a PDF with clues and an answer key. Great for classrooms.
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How to make your own crossword puzzle
A crossword maker turns a list of answers and clues into an interlocking grid. This one tries many layouts, keeps the one that fits the most words with the most crossings in the smallest area, and numbers the squares the standard way, left to right and top to bottom.
- Type one answer and clue per line, for example: PLANET - Earth is one. A dash, colon, comma or tab between them all work.
- Or start from a sample set to see how it works, then edit it.
- Press Try another layout until you like the shape of the grid; the counters show how many words were placed and how many crossings there are.
- Solve on screen: tap a square and type, use Check to find mistakes, or reveal a letter, a word or the whole puzzle.
- Add a title and download the PDF with a blank grid and clues, plus an answer key page.
How the grid is laid out
The longest answer is placed first. Every other answer looks for a letter it shares with the grid and is placed across or down through that letter, as long as it does not run into another word or sit side by side with one. The maker tries many orders and keeps the layout that places the most words, then the one with the most crossings, then the smallest grid.
Squares that start an answer are numbered in reading order, left to right and top to bottom, so an across answer and a down answer that start in the same square share a number, just as in printed crosswords.
Useful tips and limitations
- Mix long and short answers that share common letters such as E, A, R and S; they cross more easily than words full of rare letters.
- Write clues at the level of your players. The PDF adds each answer's letter count in brackets after its clue.
- Answers can include spaces or hyphens in what you type, such as ICE CREAM; they are joined as ICECREAM in the grid.
Common questions
Why did some words not fit?
Every word after the first must cross a word already in the grid without touching other words side by side. A word with no shared letters, or one that only fits in a crowded spot, is listed as not placed. Try another layout or add a word that links it.
How many words can a crossword have?
Up to 30 answers. Between 8 and 20 usually gives a tidy grid that fits nicely on one printed page.
Can I make a crossword without clues?
Yes. Type answers alone, one per line, and add clues later. Lines without a clue are shown with a dash in the clue list.
Is the crossword maker free for teachers?
Yes. Make as many crosswords as you like and print them for your class at no cost.
Every puzzle is made and played in your browser. Best times, scores and solved puzzles are saved only in this browser on this device; nothing is uploaded and no account is needed. Clearing site data removes them.