Type your words with a clue for each, and get a numbered crossword with Across and Down clues, an optional word bank and an answer key — ready to print or download as a vector PDF. Free, no sign-up, made in your browser.
The longest answers go in first. Each next word is tried at every square where it shares a letter with a word already in the grid, across or down, and kept only if it does not run into or lie alongside another word — so every row and column of letters you see is a real answer. Among the places that fit, the maker prefers more crossings and a squarer, smaller grid. It does this dozens of times with the words in slightly different orders and keeps the best result: as many words as possible, then the smallest grid, then the most crossings.
Numbers follow the usual rule. Reading the grid row by row, every square where an answer starts gets the next number; a square that starts both an Across and a Down answer has one number for both. The figure in brackets after a clue is the answer length, with each part shown for answers of two or more words, for example (3,6) for sea turtle.
The layout number makes the result repeatable. Keep the same words and number and you get the same grid next week; press New layout for a different arrangement of the same words.
Prefer a quicker warm-up? The word scramble maker uses the same word lists and prints a whole class set with different orders.
Between 8 and 20 words gives a good grid for most classes. Up to 40 words fit, but the squares get smaller and the clues may continue on a second page.
Every word has to cross another word at a shared letter. A word with letters no other word uses, such as one full of Q, X or Z, may have nowhere to go. Press New layout or add a word that shares its letters.
Yes. With Answer key on, the last page shows the filled grid and the answers by number. Print only the first pages for students.
They give the length of the answer. Answers with two or more words show each part, for example (3,6) for SEA TURTLE, which is written in the grid without the space.
Yes. The same words and the same layout number always build the same grid. The layout number is printed at the bottom of every page.
No. The crossword is built in your browser. Your words and settings are remembered on this device only; see the privacy notice.