Free Crossword Maker
⚡ Free Tool
Crossword Maker
Paste clues + answers. Get a printable crossword.
How to make a printable crossword
Write your own answers and clues and the Crossword Maker builds the grid for you — numbering the squares and laying out the Across and Down clue lists automatically. Start from a quick preset (Animals, Food, Space, or Nature) or type your own, then preview, zoom, show the answers, print, or save the puzzle as an image.
How it works
- Give your puzzle a title.
- Type one entry per line in the form
ANSWER=clue— for exampleCAT=Furry house pet. - Press Build Crossword. The grid is numbered and the clues are sorted into Across and Down.
- Use the zoom buttons to check the layout, and Show Answers to create an answer key.
- Press Print or Save PNG.
Writing better crosswords
- Aim for 8–20 word pairs. Fewer leaves a sparse grid; more becomes hard to fit together.
- Include words with common letters. Words rich in E, A, R, S, and T cross each other more easily, producing a tighter grid.
- Write clues at the right level. For young learners, a clue can be a definition; for older students, try fill-in-the-blank sentences from the lesson.
- Print two copies. One blank for students, one with Show Answers on for your key.
Ways to use it
Lesson review
Use key terms as answers and their definitions as clues — a natural way to review vocabulary.
Get-to-know-you puzzles
Make clues about team members or family (“Plays the trumpet”) for an icebreaker.
Themed party games
Holidays, birthdays, and showers all make good themes.
Frequently asked questions
Why didn’t all my words fit?
Some words share no letters with the rest of the list. Add a few words with common letters, or rebuild for a new arrangement.
Can I make an answer key?
Yes — turn on Show Answers before printing or saving.
Do I need an account?
No. Everything runs in your browser.
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