About this tool
A free word search generator that takes whatever word list you paste in and produces a custom puzzle — both printable and playable in the browser. Pick the grid size, choose which directions words can run (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, reversed), and click Generate. Everything runs locally; nothing leaves your browser.
Built for teachers planning a vocabulary unit, parents making a long-car-ride activity, and anyone who wants a custom puzzle in 30 seconds instead of 30 minutes.
How to use it
- Type a puzzle title (optional — defaults to "Word Search" if blank).
- Paste your word list into the textarea, one word per line. Letters only — spaces and punctuation are stripped automatically.
- Choose a grid size and which directions you'll allow (diagonals + reversed make the puzzle harder).
- Click Generate puzzle. The grid appears below.
- Either print the puzzle for paper, or play it on screen by click-dragging across letters to find words. Found words get struck through in the list.
- Click Reveal answers if you want to see any words you missed.
Designed for actual classroom use
Most word search generators online assume you want a printout and stop there. This one assumes you might want both — a printable for the bell-ringer activity, and a playable version for students who finish the rest of their work early. The same generated puzzle does both.
The printable version automatically hides all the controls, the navigation, the article, and the form below. Only the puzzle title, the grid, and the word list make it onto paper. That's the layout teachers actually want — minimal, clean, ready to hand out.
The interactive version uses click-drag (touch-drag on phones and tablets) to select words. The selection only follows valid directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), so you can't accidentally select a curved or broken line. It feels like the printed paper version, just without the pencil.
Why custom word searches are worth the 30 seconds
Generic, pre-made word search books are great if your unit happens to match one. But teaching a unit on spring flowers, the digestive system, French food vocabulary, or your school's faculty names? You need the puzzle to be about your content. The build-time tax on doing it by hand — drawing a grid, placing words, filling in letters — has historically been high enough that most teachers just skip it.
That math has changed. A custom puzzle takes one minute and is reusable across years (teachers tend to teach the same units annually). The reuse multiplier alone justifies the tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I print my word search?
Click Print after generating. The print stylesheet hides everything except the title, grid, and word list. Choose Save as PDF in the print dialog if you want a digital file.
Can I play it in the browser too?
Yes. Click and drag across letters in a straight line — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — to select a word. Matches get struck through in the list and highlighted in the grid.
What grid sizes work best?
Small (10×10) fits ~6–10 short words. Medium (15×15) fits ~12–20 words. Large (20×20) fits ~20–30 words.
Can words go diagonally or backwards?
Yes — both are toggles. Diagonals + reversed = harder puzzle. Defaults match a typical middle-grade word search.
Is my word list saved or sent anywhere?
No. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing is sent, stored, or logged.
Can I generate the same puzzle again later?
Each click of Generate randomizes placement. To recreate the exact puzzle later, save the printed copy or PDF.