Word search maker for classrooms, parties and quiet evenings
Paste a list of words and this word search maker hides them in a grid of letters — across, down, diagonally and, if you like, backwards — then fills the gaps with letters chosen to look natural. Solve it on screen by dragging across the letters, or print the puzzle with its answer key.
It is a favourite for spelling lists, themed vocabulary (planets, animals, holiday words), baby-shower and birthday games, and company icebreakers. The grid size can be automatic or fixed, the layout is reproducible from a seed, and the answer key shows every hidden word highlighted.
Everything is generated in your browser, including the vector PDF (pdf-lib) and the PNG, so your word list stays on your device.
How to use the Word Search Maker
- Enter your Words, one per line or separated by commas (2–20 letters each; spaces and punctuation are removed, so “ice cream” becomes ICECREAM).
- Give the puzzle a title, choose a Grid size or leave it on Auto, and tick the Directions you want — add Backwards for a harder puzzle.
- Press Make word search. The status line shows how many words were hidden; any that did not fit are listed.
- To play, press on the first letter and drag to the last (or click the first and then the last letter). Found words are highlighted and crossed off the list.
- Set Paper and Orientation, then Print, Download PDF (puzzle + key) or save either page as a PNG.
Word Search Maker features
Eight directions
Across, down and both diagonals, each optionally reversed — pick any combination for easy or hard puzzles.
Smart placement
Words are placed longest first, favouring positions where letters overlap, with seeded retries so every word fits whenever the grid allows it.
Natural filler letters
Empty cells are filled using English letter frequencies, so hidden words do not stand out against a wall of Q, X and Z.
Play by dragging
Pointer-based selection works with mouse, touch and pen; a two-click fallback works everywhere else.
Answer key with highlights
The key page draws a translucent bar over every word so a teacher can mark answers at a glance.
Auto grid size
Auto picks a size from the total letters and the longest word; fixed sizes from 10×10 to 25×25 are available too.
Choosing a difficulty
| Audience | Grid | Directions | Words |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 5–7 | 10 × 10 | Across and down only | 6–8 short words |
| Ages 8–11 | 12–15 | Across, down, diagonal | 10–15 words |
| Teens and adults | 15–20 | All directions incl. backwards | 15–25 words |
| Expert / long themes | 20–25 | All directions | 25–40 words |
Tips for a better puzzle
- Keep the theme tight — words from one topic make the list more fun to hunt through.
- Avoid words that contain other words from the list (CAT and CATS): the shorter one may be found inside the longer one.
- For young children, use capital letters in the printed list to match the grid.
- Print the key on the back of the sheet or keep it separate; it is always the second page.
- Combine with the Crossword Maker for a two-page activity using the same list, or a maze for a change of pace.
Word Search Maker FAQ
Why did a word not fit in my word search?
Every placement for that word clashed with letters already on the grid, or the word is longer than the grid. Pick a larger size, allow more directions, or use fewer very long words.
Can I make the puzzle easier by removing backwards words?
Yes. Untick Backwards (it is off by default) and, for the easiest puzzles, untick Diagonal as well.
How do I select a word on a phone?
Touch the first letter and slide your finger to the last letter in a straight line. If sliding is awkward, tap the first letter and then the last letter instead.
Does the word search maker check spelling?
No — the words are used exactly as typed, with non-letters removed. Check your list before printing a class set.
Will the same seed give the same puzzle?
Yes, as long as the words, grid size and directions are unchanged. Use the refresh button next to the seed for a new layout.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The grid, the PDF and the PNG are built in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.