How do I make a word search puzzle?

Type your words into the box (one per line), choose a grid size and word direction, then click Generate. Your puzzle is built instantly in the browser. Click Print to open the print dialog and print or save as PDF — no sign-up or download required.

Can I print the word search?

Yes. Click the Print button to open your browser's print dialog. The puzzle prints cleanly with just the grid and word list — all navigation, controls, and ads are hidden automatically. You can also click Download PNG to save an image file.

How many words can I add?

Up to 20 words per puzzle. For best results, use words shorter than the grid size. On a 10×10 grid, words up to 10 letters work; on a 15×15 or 20×20 grid, longer words fit easily. Words that are too long to place will be listed as unplaced.

What word directions are supported?

Three modes: Horizontal only (easiest, good for younger students), Horizontal and vertical (medium difficulty), and All directions including diagonal and reverse (hardest, best for older students and adults). Choose based on your audience.

Word Search Maker — Free, Printable

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How to make a word search

Enter words, one per line, into a text area. Words can also be entered by selecting a theme option to create a list of words, which can then be edited individually.
Grid size — Enter the number of words you have listed, then choose a grid size of 10×10 for short lists of up to 10 words, 15×15 for typical classroom-size word lists, or 20×20 for longer lists or for especially challenging crosswords.
Allow words to go in any direction — horizontal only (recommended for K-2 students) or all directions (most suitable for upper grade-level students and adults).
Click Generate to instantly create your puzzle. You can re-generate the same puzzle by hitting Generate again to randomly rearrange the filled-in words.
Print or download — You can print the generated crossword puzzle for your students using the Print button. Download PNG button will allow you to download an image file of the generated crossword puzzle to share with others digitally.

Tips for good word search puzzles

Remember to choose words between 4-10 letters to make for a good challenge and findability. Words with 2-3 letters will be hidden within the filler letters and might be annoying for your solvers. Long words for small grids might not fit. For classroom use, 10-15 words on a 15×15 grid is a good amount.

Toggle the answer key on to check the placement of your words before you print them off. Click on any word in the list below the grid to highlight that word alone on the grid. This is useful for checks or for making a hint for a student who is stuck on a word without giving away the whole answer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a word search?

Enter your words into the text area above (one word per line). Select a grid size and word direction and click the 'Generate Puzzle' button. Your puzzle will be generated immediately, and you can then click the 'Print' button to view a printable version of the puzzle grid and word list.

Can I print without a watermark?

Yes. Just click the Print button above to open your browser's print dialog to print this puzzle as a PDF to save or print for real as a puzzle on paper.

Why are some of my words missing from the puzzle?

Words longer than the grid size cannot be placed. For example, on a 10×10 grid, words of more than 10 letters will not fit. These words can be placed on 15×15 or 20×20 grids. Words that cannot be placed are indicated by a dashed border in the word list.

Does this work on Chromebooks and tablets?

Yes. The generator is a web application that runs entirely in your browser. This means you can use the generator on your Chromebook, iPad, or Android tablet, as well as on your desktop computer using your favorite browser. It will generate and print puzzles for you from any of these devices.

Who uses the Word Search Maker?

Teachers

Make a word search puzzle to review vocabulary from the current spelling list, science unit, or reading book. A new puzzle is generated in less than a minute. Print a set of puzzles for your class, then toggle the answer key on and off while projecting the puzzle to review answers. Pair it with other classroom activities on the teacher tools hub.

Parents

Create custom themed word search games for road trips, rainy afternoons, or holiday activities. Food, animals, and holidays presets are at your fingertips. Create a unique, personalized word search for a special birthday party and add all the guests' names to the puzzle.

Event planners

Use "wedding word searches" with the couple's names included to create fun puzzles for a road trip or rainy afternoon activity. Create a Baby Shower word search with words from the nursery theme, or use the food, animals, and holidays presets to make an "office party" word search with the company or team names.

Homeschoolers

Create word search puzzles on any subject – history, science, languages, and more. Set the puzzle to horizontal only for beginners, or all directions for more advanced kids.