Plan your grid and theme
Start small: a 10×10 grid with a simple theme is perfect for beginners. Decide on a topic (animals, geography, movies) and list 20–30 words of mixed lengths. The auto-placement in our generator will handle layout, but cleaner word lists make better grids.
Build a strong word list
- Favor common letters (E, A, R, T, O, N) for easier crossings.
- Mix lengths: include 3–5 letter fillers and a few 7–9 letter anchors.
- Avoid obscure abbreviations unless your audience expects them.
Use the free generator
- Open the Crossword Generator.
- Paste your word list and add short, clear clues (5–10 words each).
- Choose grid size (start with 10×10 or 13×13).
- Generate and review the layout; regenerate if too many black cells appear.
Clue writing tips
- Write straight clues for beginners; add wordplay later.
- Keep tense and plurality aligned between clue and answer.
- Use categories (“Animal”, “City”, “Verb”) to help younger solvers.
Refine with iterations
Regenerate with minor edits: swap a tricky word, shorten a long one, or rephrase a clue. Aim for 75–85% fill (crossed letters) to make the puzzle satisfying but fair. Check that all long answers intersect in at least two places.
Printing and sharing
Export the grid and the clue list. You can paste clues into the Online Text Editor, add a title banner with Text ASCII Art, and export as PDF via Text to PDF for a clean printable.
Example puzzle: Travel theme
- Anchors: AIRPORT, LUGGAGE, PASSPORT
- Fillers: MAP, CAR, TAXI, TOUR
- Sample clues: “ID for borders (8)”, “Carry-on or checked (7)”
Quality checklist
- Every entry is a real word or widely known term.
- No isolated sections; all areas are reachable via crossings.
- Clues are concise and match answer forms (tense, plural).
Frequently asked questions
How many black squares are okay?
For small grids, 10–20% is common. Too many black squares reduce crossing opportunities.
What if two long words won’t fit together?
Try synonyms with more common letters, or reduce grid size slightly and regenerate.
Can I make themed mini-puzzles for kids?
Yes—use 7×7 or 9×9 grids with simple nouns and verbs; provide picture hints if you like.