Free Crossword Maker
Add words and clues. The grid lays itself out.
- 100% free
- No signup
- Private: stays in your browser
- Updated November 2026
How to make a crossword puzzle
- 1
Type one word and clue per line, with a dash between them, like: orbit - the path around the sun.
- 2
The grid builds itself as you type, crossing words where they share letters. Check the preview and the clue lists.
- 3
Print or save as PDF. Students get a blank, numbered grid with clues; the answer key is on page 2.
A crossword maker that does the layout for you
Building a crossword by hand on graph paper takes a long time. This crossword maker does the hard part. Type your vocabulary words with a short clue for each, and the grid lays itself out automatically, numbered and with Across and Down clue lists, ready to print.
The layout puts the longest word in first, then fits each word where it crosses the most letters while keeping the grid compact. Words are numbered in reading order, like a newspaper crossword, and each clue shows the word length to help students.
Sometimes a word shares no letters with the rest of the puzzle. Instead of dropping it silently, the tool lists any word it couldn't connect so you can add a linking word or swap it out. Ten to fifteen words usually make a well-connected puzzle.
Crossword clues are where the learning happens. Writing a clue as a definition, a fill-in-the-blank sentence or a picture description lets you aim the same puzzle at different levels of understanding.
Ways to use crosswords in class
Unit review
Turn your unit's key terms into a crossword the week before the test. Clues that use the textbook's own definitions make it a direct study guide.
Fill-in-the-blank clues
Write clues as sentences with a missing word. Students practice using the term in context, not just recalling a definition.
Students write the clues
Give students the word list and ask them to write the clues. Then swap puzzles with a partner.
Read-aloud check
After a class novel, make a crossword about characters and events to check comprehension.
Foreign language practice
Clue in English, answer in the target language, or the other way around.
Early finisher folder
Keep a crossword for each unit ready so fast finishers stay on topic.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write words and clues?
One per line, word first, then a separator, then the clue. A dash with spaces, a colon or a tab all work, for example: moon: it circles Earth.
Why wasn't one of my words added?
Every word has to cross another word in the grid. If a word shares no letters with the others, the tool lists it so you can add a word that connects it or remove it.
How many words should I use?
Between 8 and 20 works well. The tool accepts up to 40, but very large puzzles get hard to print at a readable size.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. The second printed page shows the completed grid.
Can I use phrases with spaces?
Yes. Spaces are removed in the grid, so "solar system" fills 11 squares. The clue shows the length so students aren't confused.
Is the crossword maker free?
Yes, with no signup and no watermark.