Word Search Maker Guide
Everything you need to build word searches people enjoy solving, from choosing words to printing and sharing.
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What the maker does
A word search hides a list of words in a grid of letters that run across, down, or diagonally. This maker turns any word list you paste into a finished puzzle in seconds. It is free, with no sign-up and no install.
The same puzzle can be solved online, printed on paper, or shared by link or QR code. The grid is generated in your browser. A shared link includes the title and words so other people can rebuild the puzzle.
Try an exampleMaking a puzzle
Paste your words separated by line breaks or commas, choose the puzzle language, difficulty, and grid size, then press Create. A puzzle appears instantly, and you can shuffle a fresh layout from the same words at any time.
Every puzzle can be reproduced from its code. The code includes the title, words, and settings needed to rebuild the same grid in another browser, without retrieving a saved grid from a database.
Try an exampleChoosing good words
Words of three to eight letters usually work best, since they are long enough to be interesting and short enough to fit. A shared theme, such as animals, countries, or a lesson topic, makes a puzzle feel purposeful and easier to remember.
The maker keeps puzzles fair on its own: it turns away duplicates, a word that is another word spelled backwards, and a word hidden inside another, because each of those makes a find ambiguous. If a list is too dense for the grid, enlarge the grid or drop a few words.
Try an exampleDifficulty and grid size
Difficulty decides which directions words may run. Kids uses only across and down; Easy adds one diagonal; Medium adds another; Hard and Expert use all eight directions, including backwards. Match the level to the solver rather than to the number of words.
The grid size is suggested from your longest word and how many words you have, and you can adjust it by hand. A capacity meter shows how much room is left in the printable QR code. If it fills up, shorten the title or trim a few words.
Try an examplePrinting on A4
Every puzzle fits a single A4 page, and an answer sheet is included by default, which is useful for classrooms and care homes. A large-print option enlarges the letters for younger children and seniors.
A QR code on the printout opens the same puzzle online, so the paper handout and the browser version stay in step. Printing is black-and-white friendly and never asks for payment.
Try an exampleSolving and sharing
Solve online by dragging across a word or tapping its first and last letter; the whole puzzle is also playable by keyboard. A hint reveals a word's first letter when you are stuck, and a timer tracks your solve.
Anyone with a shared link or QR code can open the same puzzle, including its title and words. Opening a link sends its code to the hosting provider as part of the page address. Finished records are saved in your browser automatically; only records for which you choose “Post to global rankings” are stored on the server.
Try an examplePuzzle language and records
The puzzle language is separate from the interface language, so you can build an English grid from a Korean or Japanese screen, which is handy for language learners. Grids support English, Korean (Hangul), and Japanese (hiragana or katakana).
Custom puzzles use My records. Eligible theme and weekly challenge puzzles also let you choose “Post to global rankings” to submit a nickname and result to the public rankings. No account is needed.
Try an example