Word Search Maker

Turns a word list into a word search puzzle, with the words hidden in a grid of letters, and prints it with an answer key. Use it as a vocabulary review worksheet.

How to use

1. Enter the words in "Words (one per line)". Spaces and hyphens are left out of the grid.
2. Set the "Grid size" to automatic or from 8 × 8 to 25 × 25, and choose the "Directions".
3. Set the title, "Print the word list" and "Add an answer key page", then press "Print".
4. Press "Shuffle" for a different layout. On the "Solve on screen" tab, drag across a word to find it on screen.

How it works

• Empty cells are filled with letters of the same script as the words: A to Z for English, and matching letters for other alphabets.
• If a listed word appears a second time by chance, or an unwanted word is formed, filler letters are changed where possible.
• The same "Puzzle number" and words make the same puzzle again. Settings are saved in this browser.

Questions and answers

What do the direction levels mean?

"Across and down" places words left to right and top to bottom only. "Across, down and diagonal" adds diagonals, and "All directions, including backwards" adds every reversed direction.

What if some words do not fit?

The page lists the words that did not fit. Make the grid bigger or allow more directions.

Can I make a word search in other languages?

Yes. Each cell holds one letter of the words, and the filler letters match the script of the words, for example Cyrillic or Hangul.

How does the answer key look?

With "Add an answer key page" on, the next page shows the grid with the position of every word marked.