Crossword Puzzle Generator

Crossword puzzles test pattern-recognition and vocabulary. Each grid interlocks words so every answer supports another, encouraging deductive reasoning while reinforcing spelling. Teachers, trainers, and hobbyists value the format because difficulty scales with grid size, clue style, and allowed vocabulary, making it adaptable from early language lessons to niche professional jargon.

This generator lets you build a printable crossword in your browser. Paste a WORD:clue list, pick a grid size, and decide if you want 180-degree symmetry. A reactive interface arranges words, numbers the grid, and produces across or down clues automatically. You can reshuffle entries with a seed, ensuring reproducible results during collaborative editing or peer review.

Use the tool to create engaging worksheets, team-building icebreakers, or newsletter brain-teasers in minutes; download your preferred PDF or PNG immediately because puzzle layout changes with every fresh generation.

The client-side engine builds a square matrix, places the longest words first, and checks every placement for crossing validity and optional 180-degree symmetry. All processing happens locally, so no word lists, grids, or exports leave your device. Export features load external libraries on demand to convert the grid into high-resolution PDFs or canvas-based PNGs.

Reactive grid building

The interface updates placed-word counts, fill percentage, and preview grid instantly after each generation.

Seeded shuffling

Enter any text seed to shuffle the word list deterministically, producing identical layouts for shared work.

Symmetry toggle

Enable or disable 180-degree grid symmetry to match traditional newspaper styling or maximize packing density.

One-click exports

Generate high-quality PDF or PNG files that fit A4 pages, with optional answer overlays for marking.

CSV utilities

Upload or download word lists in spreadsheet-friendly CSV format to streamline bulk editing and backups.

Follow these steps to craft and share a puzzle:

1. Paste or type each entry in Word list using WORD:clue format.
2. Adjust Grid size and tick Symmetry if you want mirrored layouts.
3. (Optional) Enter text in the Seed field to lock the shuffle order.
4. Click Generate to build the grid and automatic clue lists.
5. Press Reveal to preview answers; click again to hide them.
6. Open Export and choose Puzzle – PDF, Answer sheet – PDF, or Puzzle – PNG.
7. Use Download under CSV tools to save the word list or Upload to import new entries.
8. Select Clean to alphabetize and deduplicate the list before sharing.

Find quick answers to common questions:

Is my data stored?

No. All words, grids, and exports are processed in your browser and never sent to any server.

Why does the layout change?

The algorithm relies on random shuffling; different seeds or clicks create new placements.

How do I keep a specific grid?

Set a unique seed before clicking Generate and reuse that seed whenever you need the same layout.

Can I resize printed puzzles?

Yes. Open the PDF in any viewer and scale to fit your paper without losing resolution.

What causes “Word cannot fit” alerts?

Very long words may exceed the grid width; reduce word length or increase grid size.

Resolve common issues quickly:

• PDF download stalls — ensure the browser allows pop-ups and try again.
• Grid shows blank squares only — check that each list entry contains exactly one colon separator.
• Answer letters overlap numbers — decrease Grid size or print at 100 % scale.
• PNG export looks blurry — view at original resolution or export the PDF for sharper printing.
• Upload rejects CSV — confirm the file starts with WORD,CLUE headers and uses commas, not semicolons.