Type your own words and clues, and this free crossword puzzle maker and creator builds a real interlocking crossword grid — with automatic clue numbering, a printable answer key, and an optional word bank. No sign-up, no watermark, no download. Made for teachers, homeschoolers, ESL classes, and parents.
Frequently asked questions
Is this crossword puzzle maker really free?
Yes — 100% free, no sign-up, no watermark, no download. Enter your words and clues, generate the puzzle, and print it. Your word lists never leave your browser.
How do I print my crossword puzzle?
Click “Print puzzle” for a clean print layout, or “Print answer key” for the solution. Use your browser's Print → Save as PDF option to get a PDF. The puzzle and answer key print on separate pages.
Does it generate an answer key automatically?
Yes. Every puzzle comes with a complete answer key showing the fully solved grid, plus numbered Across/Down clue lists. The key prints on its own page so students can't peek.
How do I add words and clues?
Type one entry per line in the box as WORD - clue, for example: PHOTOSYNTHESIS - How plants make food. If you only type the word, it still works — the word appears in the word bank.
Can I make a crossword with just words and no clues?
Yes. Enter just the words (one per line) and the maker builds the grid with an optional word bank instead of clues — great for young kids and spelling practice.
Why weren't all my words placed?
Crossword filling is a constraint-satisfaction problem: every word must interlock with the others by sharing letters. Words that share no letters with the rest can't connect. Try a larger grid, remove very long words, or add words with common letters (E, A, R, S, T). Unplaced words are listed honestly so you can adjust.
Can students solve the puzzle online?
Yes — the Solve Online tab turns your puzzle into an interactive crossword game that can be played online right in the browser. Click a square, type letters, switch between Across and Down, then Check answers or Reveal the solution. Great for virtual classrooms and homework.
Can I edit the grid manually?
Yes. Turn on Edit mode and click any square to blacken it (click again to clear). Use this to tidy corners or reshape the puzzle — clue numbers update automatically.
What is the NYT-style symmetry option?
It builds the grid with 180-degree rotational symmetry, like a professional New York Times-style crossword. Symmetric construction is much more constrained, so fewer words may fit — turn it off to place the maximum number of words.
Does it include a word bank?
Yes, an optional word bank lists all placed words under the puzzle — helpful for kids, ESL students, and vocabulary quizzes. Toggle it on or off before printing.
Can I use the puzzles for commercial use?
Yes. Puzzles you generate with your own words and clues are yours to use — in classrooms, worksheets, books, or products you sell.
Can I make vocabulary crosswords for ESL students?
Yes — it's a popular use case. Enter vocabulary words with simple definitions or translations as clues. The word bank option gives extra support for learners.
Do I need to download or install anything?
No. The maker runs entirely in your web browser — nothing to install, and your words never leave your device, so student vocabulary lists stay private.
Can I make crossword puzzles for kids?
Yes. Use short words (3–6 letters), turn on the word bank, and keep clues simple. The auto-fill works best with kid-friendly word lists that share common letters.
How is this different from other crossword makers?
Most free makers place words randomly and tell you to keep refreshing until the layout looks decent. This maker uses a backtracking search with scoring that maximizes placed words and interlocking, plus extras many makers lack: manual grid editing, an interactive solve mode, and optional 180° symmetry.
Can I add pictures to my crossword?
Not currently — clues are text you write (definitions, translations, questions, fill-in-the-blank sentences). For young learners, pair the printed puzzle with picture flashcards in class.
Can I use the puzzle in Microsoft Word or Excel?
Yes. Use Print → Save as PDF for a document you can share or attach. The Across/Down clue lists are selectable text, so you can also copy them into Word to restyle the worksheet.
Can I hide a secret message in the crossword?
This crossword maker doesn't hide messages — but our free
word search maker does: the leftover letters spell out your secret message.
Can I print a blank crossword grid?
Yes — the Puzzle tab is exactly that: a blank numbered grid with its clue lists. Print it as a worksheet or reuse it as a blank crossword template.
How do I make an easy or hard crossword?
For an easy puzzle: short words (3–6 letters), the word bank turned on, and simple clues or hints. For a hard puzzle: longer words, word bank off, and trickier definitions. The fill algorithm adapts to whatever list you give it.
What languages are supported?
Currently English A–Z only — words are uppercased and non-Latin scripts (Arabic, Hindi/Devanagari, Tamil, Tagalog/Baybayin, etc.) are removed. Clues, however, can be written in any language — including Bahasa Melayu — which works well for bilingual vocabulary practice.