Word search generator
Type or paste your words, pick a grid size and which directions words may run, then press Generate. Print the puzzle with the word list, and switch on the answer key for the teacher's copy. Nothing leaves your browser.
Runs in your browser: nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Enter your words, one per line or separated by commas (up to 40 words, at least two letters each).
- Choose the grid size from 8 × 8 to 30 × 30 and turn diagonal and backwards words on or off.
- Press Generate new puzzle, then Print. Turn on the answer key to highlight where each word is.
How it works
The words are cleaned (capital letters A–Z only, duplicates removed) and placed longest first. For each word the tool picks a random direction and starting cell, up to 300 times, until the word fits inside the grid without clashing with a different letter. Words may cross where they share a letter. Cells left empty are filled with random letters. Random numbers come from your browser’s secure generator.
Worked example
With the default list of eight fruits on a 12 × 12 grid with diagonals, every word usually fits. Switching on backwards words makes it harder; with a 8 × 8 grid and a long list some words may not fit, and the tool tells you which.
Tips
- Keep the grid at least as wide as the longest word, and add a few cells for each extra word.
- Use a larger grid for younger children and leave backwards words off.
- Press Generate again if the layout looks too clustered.
Frequently asked questions
Which directions can words run?
By default words run left to right and top to bottom. Diagonal words add the two downward and upward diagonals, and backwards words add the reverse of every direction in use, so a puzzle with both has eight directions.
Why were some of my words left out?
A word that is longer than the grid cannot fit, and in a crowded grid a word may not find a free place after many tries. The tool lists the words it left out; make the grid bigger or the list shorter and generate again.
Can I use spaces, hyphens or accents in words?
The grid uses the letters A to Z. Spaces, hyphens, digits and other symbols are removed, and accented letters lose their accent, so "ice cream" becomes ICECREAM and "école" becomes ECOLE.
How do I print the puzzle?
Press Print. Only the grid and the word list are printed. Leave the answer key off for the student copy, then turn it on and print a second copy for yourself.
Is each puzzle different?
Yes. Positions, directions and the filler letters are chosen at random in your browser every time you press Generate, so you can make several versions from the same list.