Free tool
Crossword Generator
Type a list of words and clues. Get a printable crossword puzzle with auto-numbered grid and answer key. Free, no sign-up.
Words and clues
About the crossword generator
Crosswords are great for vocabulary practice, topic recall, and lesson plenaries. This tool builds a real crossword grid by finding letter overlaps between your words — words sharing letters cross over each other in the grid.
Tips for best results
- Use 6-15 words. Fewer than 5 and the grid is too small; more than 15 and the algorithm may not find enough overlaps.
- Use words that share letters. Topic words usually do (Romans → CAESAR, EMPIRE, ROMAN, GLADIATOR all share letters).
- One word per line, no spaces or hyphens. Compound words like "ICE-CREAM" become "ICECREAM".
- Words should be 3-15 letters. Single letters can't be placed; very long words may not fit.
- Capitalisation doesn't matter — words are converted to uppercase in the grid.
How it works
The tool uses a placement algorithm: it puts the longest word first, then tries to place each remaining word so that at least one of its letters crosses an existing word. If a word can't be placed (no shared letters in compatible positions), it's skipped — you'll see a notice telling you which word(s) didn't fit.
Privacy
All generation happens in your browser. Your words and clues are never sent anywhere.