How to make a word search
Type the words you want to hide, one per line or separated by commas, and give the puzzle a title. If you need inspiration, choose a theme from the Ideas list. Then pick a grid size and a difficulty and press Make the puzzle.
Easy puzzles hide words only across and down. Medium adds diagonals, and Hard also hides words backwards, which makes a real challenge. Bigger grids give more room and more distractions. If a word does not fit, the tool tells you, and a larger grid will usually solve it.
Press Make the puzzle again for a fresh layout using the same words, as often as you like.
Printing and saving as a PDF
Choose A4 or US Letter paper, then press Print or save as PDF. Only the puzzle is printed, without the rest of the page. In the print window you can choose a printer, or choose Save as PDF to keep a copy or send it by email.
With Print an answer key ticked, a second page shows the grid with every word highlighted, which is handy for teachers and quiz setters.
Ideas for word searches
Word searches are a gentle way to practise spelling and new vocabulary, which is why they are popular in classrooms. Try this week's spelling words, the names of everyone at a party, characters from a favourite book, or words connected with a holiday. For older solvers, leave out the word list and give clues instead.
Questions and answers
Is the word search maker free?
Yes. You can make and print as many puzzles as you like.
Can I save my word search as a PDF?
Yes. Press Print or save as PDF and choose Save as PDF in your browser's print window.
Why was a word left out?
It did not fit in the grid alongside the others, or it is longer than the grid. Choose a bigger grid or fewer words.
Can I include phrases or numbers?
Spaces, numbers and punctuation are removed, so a phrase is hidden as one run of letters.