Word Search Generator

Paste your own word list and print a clean word search in seconds. Choose how tricky the hiding places are - across and down only for beginners, all eight directions for experts - then export as PDF, PNG, or SVG. Everything happens in your browser.

10×10 grid · 8 words placed · seed 2139661343

How the word search generator works

Type or paste up to 16 words (comma or new-line separated), pick a difficulty and grid size, and the generator places every word it can - longest first, overlaps allowed. Words that will not fit are listed under the puzzle rather than silently dropped. Letters that remain are filled with random characters.

Puzzles are deterministic: a seed plus settings reproduces the exact grid. Share the link and a colleague or a second classroom prints the identical worksheet, or press "New puzzle" for a fresh layout of the same list.

Choosing a difficulty

Easy places words only across and down - no backwards or diagonal words, so new readers can genuinely finish. Medium adds forward diagonals. Hard allows all eight directions including reversed words, the classic way to make confident readers slow down and check every letter.

Grid size defaults to auto, which grows to fit your longest word. Prefer a fixed grid? Pick 8×8 through 15×15 and words longer than the grid will be reported as skipped.

Teacher-friendly details

The word list prints with the puzzle and is embedded in PNG/SVG exports, so the worksheet is self-contained at the photocopier. Your last-used difficulty is remembered on your device, generation keeps working if the Wi-Fi drops, and there is no account between you and Monday morning.

Popular printable word searches

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my own word list?

Yes - that is the main feature. Paste any words separated by commas or new lines; punctuation and capitalization are cleaned up automatically.

How many words fit in one puzzle?

Up to 16 words per puzzle, each up to the grid size. Long words automatically grow an auto-sized grid; fixed grids report words that cannot fit.

Are the words ever hidden backwards?

Only on the hard setting. Easy hides words across and down, medium adds forward diagonals, and hard allows all eight directions including reversed.

Is the generator free for school use?

Completely free for classrooms, homework, tutoring, and home use - no account, no trial, no paid tier.

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