Printable crossword maker
Type your words and their clues, one "word : clue" pair per line, or pick a ready-made theme: this printable crossword maker draws the grid, numbers the squares and sorts the clues into across and down. The solution is at the end of the PDF.
- The cat chases it
- You ride it at a gallop
- It says quack
- A young sheep
- It lays eggs
- It carries its home
- Its wool makes sweaters
- It loves carrots
- Big-eyed bird of the night
- It says hee-haw
- It purrs on the sofa
How it works
Type your words and clues
Write one "word : clue" per line, for example "sun : It rises in the east", or click a theme (animals, school, Christmas) to fill the list in one click. Then edit it: this week's vocabulary, family memories, a birthday game.
Pick the size
The grid is 9, 13 or 17 squares wide. The maker crosses the words with each other; those that cannot find a place are listed under the text box. As soon as six words are placed you can download the grid, and the "Another grid" button offers a different layout.
Download and print
The PDF holds the empty grid with its numbers and the clues sorted into across and down, on the same page when there is room, otherwise on the next one. The solution comes last, for you to keep.
Printing tips
Print at “Actual size” or “100%”, not “Fit to page”: every square is at least 7 millimetres wide and the numbers at least 7 points, enough to write a letter in pencil. Black and white is enough. For a grid that fills well, choose words of varied lengths that share vowels: the more they cross, the denser the grid. Write short clues, one or two lines, so they fit under the grid.
Frequently asked questions
How many words can I put in my grid?
Up to 40 lines, 3 letters at least. A word cannot be longer than the side of the grid: 9, 13 or 17 letters. Not every word necessarily finds a place: a message under the text box tells you which ones are left out.
What happens if a word does not fit?
It is flagged and the grid is built with the other words. As long as at least 6 words are placed, you can download the PDF. To place the missing word, click “Another grid” or pick a larger size.
What happens to accents, spaces and hyphens?
They are removed from the word: “Élan” becomes ELAN and “ice cream” becomes ICECREAM, as in a real printed crossword. Clues keep their accents.
Where are the clues in the PDF?
Under the grid, on the same page, when they fit. Otherwise they fill the next page in two columns: Across, then Down, each with the number of its starting square.
Is the solution included?
Yes, when the box is ticked: the last page of the PDF repeats the grid with every letter. Untick the box for a PDF without the solution, for instance to send to a child.
Can I use it in class and keep my lists private?
Yes, freely, in class, at home or for a party. Your words stay in your browser: nothing is sent to a server, and only your device remembers your settings.