Word Search Maker

Word Search Maker is a free tool for building your own word search puzzles. Type a title and a list of words, pick a grid size, and every word is hidden in the grid for you. Solve it in your browser, download a print-ready puzzle page and answer key, or send it as a link. No sign-up and nothing to install.

How to make a word search

1. Add a title and your words. Type up to 40 words, one per line or separated by commas. The puzzle rebuilds a moment after you stop typing.
2. Choose a grid size. Pick 8 x 8 to 25 x 25, or Auto for the smallest grid that fits all your words.
3. Choose the directions. Tick Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal in any mix. Backwards adds the reverse of each direction you have on, so horizontal words can also run right to left.
4. Set the letters. Show the grid in UPPERCASE or lowercase, then choose the filler letters for the empty squares.
5. Check the status box. It confirms how many words were placed. If a word is longer than the grid, or there is no room for it, the box names it so you can pick a bigger grid or allow more directions.

Press Shuffle to reshuffle the same words into a fresh grid, and tick Show answers under the preview to see where each word went.

Filler letter options

• Random A to Z: any letter can fill the gaps.
• Only letters from the words: the gaps use only letters that appear in your word list, so the grid is full of near misses. This makes a much harder puzzle.
• Letters not in the words: the gaps use only letters that never appear in your list, so the hidden words stand out. It is a good pick for young children or early readers.

The maker also checks that filler letters never spell a second copy of one of your words by accident.

Spaces and hyphens are dropped inside the grid, so “sea horse” is hidden as SEAHORSE, while the word list shows it the way you typed it. Accented letters such as the é in café are kept, and repeated words are removed.

Play it online

Open the Play tab to solve your puzzle on screen. Drag from the first letter of a word to the last, in any direction. On a phone you can also tap the first letter and then the last. Found words are marked in color and crossed off the list. A timer saves your best time for each puzzle. Press P or Esc to pause, which hides the grid until you resume. On a keyboard, the arrow keys move a cursor and Enter marks the start and end of a word.

Print a puzzle and answer key

The Print tab makes two PNG pages sized for US Letter paper (1700 by 2200 pixels, which is 8.5 by 11 inches at 200 dots per inch). The puzzle page has your title, the grid, an optional word list with check boxes, and optional Name and Date lines. The answer key shows the grid with every hidden word circled and the filler letters in light gray. Print at 100 percent, or choose fit to page for A4.

Share and save

The share link holds the whole puzzle inside the address, so whoever opens it gets the same grid, ready to play. The Save button keeps puzzles in your browser, and the Saved tab lets you open one again to edit, play or print it, or delete it. Saved puzzles stay on your device only.

Tips for teachers and parents

• Match the grid to the reader. A 10 x 10 grid with horizontal and vertical words suits young children. Older students can handle 18 x 18 or more with diagonals and backwards words.
• Use it for vocabulary. Spelling lists, science terms or names from a class novel all make good word lists.
• Keep the answer key separate. Download both pages, then print the key only for yourself.

FAQ

Is the word search maker free?

Yes. Making, playing, printing and sharing puzzles is free, with no account.

How many words can I use?

Up to 40 words, each with at least two letters. A word must be no longer than the grid is wide, so a 12-letter word needs a grid of at least 12 x 12.

Why was one of my words left out?

A small grid with many long words can run out of room even after many tries. The status box names any word that did not fit. Try a bigger grid, Auto size, or more directions.

Want a ready-made puzzle instead? Try the themed grids in Word Search, or test your vocabulary with clues in Crossword.