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Word Search Maker

Type or paste a list of words and get a printable word search with an answer key. Pick the difficulty, the grid size and whether to show the word list.

Updated by Khokhar Sab

Type or paste your words, one per line or separated by commas. Choose easy, medium or hard and a grid size, or leave the size on automatic. Add a title and instructions, then download the PDF: page one is the puzzle with a name and date line, and page two is the answer key with every word shaded.

  1. Paste your words.
  2. Pick a difficulty and grid size.
  3. Add a title and instructions.
  4. Press Shuffle the puzzle for a different layout.
  5. Download the PDF with the answer key.

What size grid do I need?

Room for the longest word and for all the letters, with space to spare. Our 20 fruit names have 101 letters; a 10 by 10 grid has only 100 cells. In 40 tries each, all 20 fit 31 times at 11 by 11 and 40 times at 12 by 12. The automatic size allows that room.

How do I make a word search harder?

Allow more directions: hard puzzles hide words diagonally and backward as well as across and down. Use a bigger grid, hide the word list so solvers must find words from a theme, and choose longer or similar-looking words. Easy puzzles with across and down only suit young readers and early spellers.

Can I make several different versions?

Yes. Press Shuffle the puzzle for a new layout of the same words, then download it; each layout keeps its own answer key. Save each version in the drafts list if you want to print it again later. Different versions on neighboring desks keep a class from sharing answers.

Limits

  • Letters A to Z only. Spaces, numbers and punctuation are dropped, and accents are removed (café becomes CAFE).
  • Grids up to 30 by 30.
  • No online play yet; the puzzle is for printing.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes, with no word limit, no sign-up and no watermark.

Can words share letters?

Yes. Words may cross where they share a letter, as in a printed puzzle.

Can I hide the word list?

Yes. Pick Hide the word list; the answer key still shows every word.

Can the letters be lowercase?

Yes. Pick Small letters for early readers who know lowercase best; the answer key follows.

Are there large print puzzles?

Yes. The Large Print design keeps letters big and bold with lines between them, best at 15 by 15 or smaller.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. Make the puzzle on a phone and print the PDF later.

How this tool was built and tested