# Word Search & Crossword Maker - Printable with Answer Keys

> Make printable word search and crossword puzzles from your words and clues: diagonal and backwards words, compact numbered crosswords, answer keys, seeds.

- URL: https://qilingtools.com/en/word-puzzle
- Category: Productivity (https://qilingtools.com/en/office)
- Tags: [Education](https://qilingtools.com/en/tags/education), [Kids](https://qilingtools.com/en/tags/kids), [Printing](https://qilingtools.com/en/tags/print), [Fun & Games](https://qilingtools.com/en/tags/game), [Productivity](https://qilingtools.com/en/tags/office)
- Last updated: 2026-10-26
- Price: Free, no sign-up
- Privacy: Runs locally in the browser; files are never uploaded

Turn a spelling list, a vocabulary unit or party trivia into a printable puzzle. Word search hides your words in a letter grid: allow diagonal and backwards words, let the size be suggested from your list, and fill the gaps with A–Z or only the letters that appear in your words. The generator also checks that fill letters don’t accidentally spell a second copy of any word. Chinese, Japanese and Korean words work too, one character per cell. For a crossword, write one “word: clue” per line; the generator tries many layouts and keeps the one with the most crossings in the tightest grid, numbers it the standard way, and lists Across and Down clues with answer lengths. Any word that can’t cross the others is flagged. Both puzzles can include an answer key — circled words or a filled-in grid — plus a title, name and date line, fonts, accent colors and paper sizes. Every puzzle has a seed, so the same words and seed always rebuild the identical puzzle, handy for reprinting or handing different classes different versions.

## How to use

1. Choose word search or crossword and enter your words (or “word: clue” lines)
2. Set the grid, directions, fill letters, seed and layout
3. Check the puzzle and answer key, then print or export a PDF

## Features

- Word search with horizontal, vertical, diagonal and backwards words
- Works with Chinese, Japanese and Korean, one character per cell
- Fill with A–Z or the words’ own letters, avoiding accidental duplicates
- Crosswords built for maximum crossings in a compact grid
- Standard numbering with Across and Down clues and lengths
- Answer key pages
- Reproducible seeds with one-click reshuffle
- Name/date line, fonts, colors, print and PDF

## FAQ

### What is the seed for?

The same word list, settings and seed always produce exactly the same puzzle and answer key. Note the seed to reprint the same puzzle later, or click New seed for a fresh layout so different groups get different versions. The seed is printed on the answer key so you can match them up.

### Why was a word left out of my crossword?

Each crossword word must share at least one letter with a word already placed, and neighboring cells may not form extra words. A word with no letters in common with the rest, or whose only crossings would clash, can’t be placed and is listed above the preview. Adding words with shared letters or trying another seed usually fixes it.

### Does it work for languages other than English?

Yes. Accented letters and non-Latin scripts are kept as typed, and Chinese, Japanese and Korean words take one character per cell. When fill letters come from the word list, the distractors look just like the answers, which keeps the puzzle fair in any language.

### How big can a puzzle be?

Word search grids range from 5×5 to 30×30, and Fit size to the word list picks a size from your longest word and total letters; anything that doesn’t fit is reported. Crosswords choose the tightest grid automatically, and long clue lists continue onto the next page.

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