Word
Search Maker
Create your own custom word search worksheets! A variety of options
are available including font size, font style, lowercase or uppercase
letters, grid shape, word placement, and more.
Experiment with the settings below to find the best results for
printing. You may also need to adjust your browser’s page setup (change
margins, header/footer, or switch to landscape/portrait mode), then
go to ‘Print Preview’ before printing. These options are under your
browser’s File menu. Landscape mode works best for many puzzles.
Also, set your margins to 0.5″ or less.
Before you create your puzzle, you might also
want to highlight your word list and press Ctrl+C to keep a copy
of it on your computer’s clipboard. That way, if you need to come
back and change settings, you can paste the words into the blank
by pressing Ctrl+V. Otherwise you’ll have to re-type them.
(These
shortcut
commands work on Windows systems.)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are concerned about inappropriate words in the randomized letters, be sure to proofread before handing out to students.
Free word search maker with images or text hints
from Tools for Educators: These worksheet makers are light, easy to use, but very powerful. Make work searches for kids, elementary school, phonics programs, language classes and more.
You can use text for your puzzle hint: find the same word, unscramble the word and find it, read a clue for the puzzle word, or use your own ideas. It’s up to you.
word search maker: text only
You can use images as the puzzle hints: choose an image category below and type the word you want entered into the puzzle. The maker will generate a puzzle with your image choices below.
— if you want to make a word search with clues, use the text only generator above. There is an option to include free text instead of the puzzle word as a hint!
— if you want a crossword and word search together on the same page, use the crossword maker.
You can use up to 16 images for your word search with images. You can use less by just using 8, 12 or any lower number. The maker will generate a puzzle based on what you enter.
These word search makers are free word searches to print that you can use online to make personalized word searches with images as hints. You can select the image you want to use and type in any text for that picture you’d like. So, you can choose from 1,000s of images to create the perfect word search for school, home use, parties, waiting rooms, anything.
These can handle some foreign languages as well. So, I hope French, LOTE, Spanish teachers and more can use the word search creator for their classes as well.
End User License Agreement: You are free to use any resource created from this site as an end user and MES grants you an End User License with the following restrictions: You may not redistribute, copy, modify, transfer, transmit, repackage, re-engineer, charge for, or sell any of the materials from this site. You may use photocopies or printouts for the purposes of distributing them for free to your students. MES reserves the right to terminate or make changes to this agreement for any reason and without notice.
Copyright © 2005 — 2023 Tools for Educators and MES English | privacy
Make your own word search puzzles with the Word Search Maker! This easy-to-use tool allows you to provide your own word list and create custom word searches in minutes. You can then download and print them instantly, or play online the pre-made puzzles right away. So get creative and have some fun!
How do you create custom Word Search Puzzles?
It’s easy! Just provide your word list and the Word Search Maker will create a puzzle for you.
- Enter your words into the text box provided. Make sure to add no more than 30 words.
- Select the theme or topics of your word search.
- Words should only include letters from a-z – uppercase or lowercase. You can use space and dash but these will be omitted while searching for your word search.
- Make sure not to use any personal information if you want your puzzles added to our database.
- When you are ready, click on “Regenerate” and the word search will be generated for you.
- If you want to download and print your word search puzzle, just click on “Download PDF.” The word search will be downloaded as a PDF file which you can then print.
NOTE: These are randomly generated words so be sure to proofread carefully before using. You can also regenerate the puzzle with new array of words.
What is a Word Search Puzzle?
A word search puzzle is basically find a combination of words placed in a grid. Those set of words can be placed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Purpose of this puzzle is to find words that are hidden in the jargon of other words.
Most of the times the words that need to be searched are written at the bottom of the puzzle.
Benefits of playing Word Search Puzzles
Hard to believe but games and puzzles play an important part in keeping up our mental health. Such puzzles stimulate the brain activities, this helping us stay focused and increased concentration.
They are helpful for kids and adults to learn and memorize new vocabulary words, historical events, popular destinations, interesting characters and so much more.
Word Search Generator Tool
You can create your own custom word search puzzles with this Word Search Puzzle Generator. You can use variety of options to create such puzzles. Follow these steps to create your custom words search puzzles:
- Input the Title of the puzzle
- Create and input your Words List
- Select the Grid Size, like 10×10, 15×15, 20×20 etc
- Select the Font Style.
- Select the Difficulty Level of Easy or Normal
- Select the theme of your choice, if you wish.
- If you wish, you select to show cell borders or not.
- Lastly, select the color of Title, Grid and Words.
- Once all the options are set, click on “Generate New”.
- Select “Show Answers” button to see the answers.
- Once generated, download the puzzles as PDF or JPG formats.
- You can also Download Preview before actually downloading the puzzles.
- To see the existing word search puzzles, click on the “Brose Gallery” button.
- Print the puzzles and start playing.
What Kind of Word Search Puzzles Should I Make?
When you are customizing a word search puzzle, it is entirely up to you to include the type of words you want to use in your word search puzzle.
To keep the players interested, make sure to use the words that are not too long in length. Try to avoid phrases that can get mixed up easily with other words.
Avoid words that require special characters, punctuation marks or numbers.
PLEASE NOTE: After you create your puzzle, proofread carefully to make sure that offensive or unintended words are not used. If you happen to come across any, you can generate another puzzle by following the steps above.
Puzzle Creator: (example: Mrs. Jones)
Enter your word list in the box below.
- Use a comma or press enter between words.
- Minimum word length: 3 letters
- Maximum word length: 16 letters
- Recommended number of words: 20
Level — Intermediate
· 18 x 12 grid
· Words hidden across, down, and diagonally
· No backwards words
· Medium font size
· Recommended for grades 2 — 4
Please note:
- There may be a limit to the number and lengths of words hidden. If you have too many words or your words are too long, they may be left out of the puzzle. Please check your puzzle carefully to make sure all of your words are there.
- Our word search generator uses a basic word filter to prevent the accidental, random creation of offensive words. When you create your puzzle, please check it over it carefully to be sure unintended words were not added by our random letter generator.
STW members are able to save their worksheets. You are not currently logged in and will not be able to save this file.
Sample Word Search Puzzle Generator Images
Below are two examples of beginner and intermediate Word Searches! The Word Search Maker creates the puzzle page as well as a solution page.
-
Title:
-
Instructions:
-
These word search puzzles were made here! -
Our MOST ASKED QUESTION:
How do I make multi-word entries?
Colorado Springs
I Have a Dream
United States, etc.
It’s simple! Click the video —>
-
Make «Hidden Message» Word Searches!
Watch our video to learn how you can create a puzzle inside of a puzzle, commonly called a Hidden Message Word Search puzzle!Please SUBSCRIBE to our
- Do you want UPPERCASE or lowercase? We’ve always had that ability! It is in the blue menu after making the puzzle under «Advanced Options…» we have LOTS of options in that menu. We get asked everyday for options that are already there! Don’t cheat yourself out of the perfect puzzle by not looking for it in the blue menu on the left.
-
Rows
(10-50)
-
Columns
(10-50)
- Grid styles
- Language
- Word Placement
-
Show Grid Lines
Yes
No -
Place Word List:
Hide word list
Sort word list alphabetically
- # of columns for word list if ‘Bottom’ list is chosen above.
- TIP: Use the «Fun Options» for neat options like:
1. Hide «WordSearchPuzzle» but show «Word Search Puzzle» in the word list! and
2. Hide «SantaClaus» but show «Who visits on Christmas?»
Watch the video below for more fun tips!
Choose up to 3 fonts + Arial (default)
Check out our «Fun Options» video, then click the button below!
I understand that by clicking «Fun Options» below, it will lock out my word list above to further changes, and saving options will be unavailable.
Fun Options
The word search maker
Using the online word search maker is as easy as entering the first words that come to mind around a certain topic and let the word search generator do the rest!
The generator creates the word search in real-time, so you can directly see the result of your input.
Changing directions and difficulty
Changing the difficulty and look of your word search can be done in various ways. The free version allows you to change the ‘Size’ and the ‘Directions’ via the Settings-tab.
Increasing or decreasing the word search grid size can tune the difficulty up or down and it can help with the space that the puzzle takes up on the screen.
The directions can be turned on or off individually. The diagonal directions (southwest/northwest/etc..) are the most difficult to find, so if you want to make the word search a little easier, disable those.
Vary between field shapes
If you want to surprise your players, you can opt for the ‘Field shape’ feature via the Premium-tab. This allows you to deviate from the default square grid and generate a word search with all kinds of shapes: ‘Smiley’, ‘Diamond’, ‘Circle’, ‘Cross’, ‘Pyramid’ and ‘Star’
To create the best look, experiment with the ‘Size’ from the Settings-tab as well, since the distribution of the cells might improve further!
Changing the hint type to ‘Questions’
If you want to spice up the word search puzzle and make it a bit more educational/challenging, you can change the Premium ‘Type of Word Search’ to ‘Questions’
This way, the player does not directly see the answers to look for, but only the questions/descriptions describing the answer! A cool way to experiment with alternative educational material 
Solving word searches as a team
Generating interactive puzzles that can be played in teams is of course even more fun! The ‘Play in teams’ option on the Premium-tab does just that.
After setting up the teams and starting the word search battle, the team members are connected digitally causing correctly given answers to by synchronised automatically to the other team members.
The word search owner (probably you!) has a cool control room via the Premium-tab that shows the progress of each team, so you can determine who finishes first!
Force a new word search field every time
If you want to make sure that your word search is unique every time it gets played, enable the Premium feature ‘Allow regenerating puzzle’. This way the word search generator is activated each time the player opens up the puzzle and thus gets a unique puzzle every time.
Adding a countdown timer
In combination with the Premium ‘Use countdown timer’, you can create the ultimate repeatable puzzle challenge. Find all the answers within 60 seconds.
Players can reset their puzzle after they have finished, and then try again!
Hiding any hints
You can also hide the hints altogether via the ‘Hide Hints’ Premium feature, this way the player will have no idea what to look for, making it even more challenging and for some, fun :).
The other option is to show the hints below the word search puzzle, which could make it a bit more compact for smaller screens.
Choosing your own character set
Each language has their own unique character sets, and so the word search generator should be able to include those characters in the randomly generated cells. The ‘Character List’ option on the Premium-tab does exactly that.
You can include any character you like, allowing you to create Chinese puzzles, other foreign language characters, like (ë and á) and any character you can think of.
Adding row and column numbers
Solving word searches in virtual meetings or via central digital school boards can be tough since communicating where you see a word is not really easy by default.
But the solution is here! Enable the Premium ‘Show numbers’ and each row and column will get their own number, making it easy to call out character coordinates and allowing for central play!
Integrating a hidden solution
Adding a hidden solution to a word search puzzle is not the easiest feature to implement since we have to work with randomly inserted words by you, the puzzle creator and this leaves random amounts of ‘open’ puzzle cells.
But, there is hope! The Settings > Hidden solution field has some nifty helper features to put you on the right track and to make sure that the puzzle is solvable. To do this, it coaches you while you are entering the hidden solution.
The hidden solution will either be a perfect fit, or too short, or too long. Whenever it is too short, it will show you which characters could not fit. You can use this info to increase the size of the grid, or by removing a word so that more space is available for the hidden solution. When it is too long, it will mention how many characters your hidden solution needs to add in order for it to fill up all the remaining squares.
Introducing ‘fancy select’
If you want to make your word search feel extra special with the latest modern interactions, then enabling ‘Fancy select’ on the Premium-tab is the way to go.
For desktop computers, it will allow you to see the direction you are hovering the mouse in and thus get a better feel for the word that you are selecting. Together with friendly colours and a rounded design, this might feel more user-friendly.
On mobile devices you will be able to use the regular pattern of clicking on the start and end squares.
Removing the borders
If you want to give the word search a modern look, you can choose to disable the ‘Show borders’ option on the Premium-tab, under the Custom styling options.
Since the borders between the text cells are now removed, it feels more like it belongs together and there is less space wasted to the unnecessary. Might make it easier to see words too!
Check out the sample puzzle
Discover how this puzzle type looks in practice by viewing and playing the sample puzzle (opens in a new tab)
Are you a word search puzzle lover? If so, you are in the right place. Welcome to our Word Search Maker! From family game nights to school activities, we provide a customizable and easy experience for you to generate your themed word search puzzles.
How to use Word Search Maker
- Title: name your word search puzzle (optional).
- Enter Words: you can include up to 30 words of your choice.
- Rows: customize the number of rows in your puzzle (10-60).
- Cols: choose the number of columns you want to have in your puzzle (10-60).
- Grid Style: customize your grid style by selecting one of the many options available.
- Select Print Template: select one of the themed templates available to customize your word search puzzle.
- Advanced Options: more customizable options are available.
If you need help completing a puzzle, check out our word search solver. Now it is time to download or print your new word search puzzle and have some fun!
Did you know?
A word search puzzle can also be called word find, word seek, word sleuth or mystery word puzzle and the first one is said to be initially created and published in the Selenby Digest — A small classified ad paper, freely distributed at Safeway and other stores on March 1, 1968. It was created by Norman E. Gibat, in Norman, Oklahoma. Its initial size was 8.5 x 5.5 inches.
Where can I use Word Search Puzzles?
There is no limit when it comes to having fun. Word search puzzles can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.
At home: you can enjoy your puzzle for a family game night, family reunions, as a birthday gift, anniversary gift, road trips, camping, you name it.
In schools: create a themed fun challenge for the entire class, a speed quiz for the entire school, an extra homework, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Word search games are so versatile that people can enjoy at any age after learning the alphabet. Some joke that these puzzles are good for ages 5-105.
Why Word Search Puzzles are good for you
Several studies have shown that word search puzzles and other types of puzzles are tremendously beneficial for developing and improving our brains. It helps to improve memory, focus, vocabulary, and overall mental agility.
Word search puzzles prioritize pattern recognition, a vital cognitive tool that empowers the brain with the ability to establish a structure and create value from the information around us. Also, word puzzles can increase the dopamine levels in our brain from the challenges and the sense of encouragement it stimulates inside us. It can boost confidence levels, bring people together, and increase enjoyment in any environment.
Word Search Puzzles in schools
Playing or having fun with words while learning is how teachers and educators take advantage of word search puzzles. The extensive use of word puzzles in schools all around the globe helps kids to develop many different skills and exercises many parts of the brain.
Teachers can take advantage of the Word Search Puzzle Maker and customize their own game, including level-appropriate words and select from themed templates for special occasions and festivities.
Here are some of the numerous ways word search puzzles can help kids develop in school while having fun:
- Improve spelling.
- Exercise several areas of the brain.
- Develop problem-solving skills.
- Increase memory.
- Encourage kids to work faster.
- Increase vocabulary.
- Create fun!
Feedback
We created the Word Search Puzzle Maker to encourage adults and kids to have fun. Now we want to hear from you. Please leave us a message and let us know how we can improve.
Create your own word search puzzles with this word search generator tool. Create random puzzles using your own words list with solutions.
What is a Word Search Puzzle?
A word search puzzle is basically a combination of meaningful letters in a grid. These set of words can be found horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Goal of the players is to find the list of words hidden in the grid with other letters. Most of the times the words that need to be searched are listed at the bottom of the puzzle. But sometimes more challenging puzzles may not have the list of words. These puzzles can have a theme like find the words associated with food, birds, colors, months of the year etc.
Why play Word Search Puzzles?
Puzzles like word search have benefits for children as well as adults. For kids, these are great way to learn new words and their spelling. They also help strengthen their concentration and memory skills. For kids and adults, they play an important part in keeping up with mental health and brain activity.
These also help with learning and memorizing new vocabulary words, historical events, interesting characters, famous destinations and so much more.
Word Search Generator Tool for Commercial Use
Now you can create your own custom word search puzzles with this Word Search Puzzle Generator. You can use this tool for Personal as well as Commercial Use. Create number of printable puzzles to create a custom workbook. You can either print these and use these for personal and educational use. You can also brand these as your own and sell on Etsy, Amazon KDP, Ebay and other similar marketplaces. These are a great way to start making money and generating passive income.
How to create custom Word Search Puzzles?
You can use variety of options to create such puzzles. Follow these steps to create your custom words search puzzles:
- Input the Title of the puzzle
- Create and input your Words List
- Select the Grid Size, like 10×10, 15×15, 20×20 etc
- Select the Font Style
- Select the Direction of the words
- If you wish, you select to cell borders color and style
- Select the color of Title, Grid and Words
- Once all the options are set, click on “Generate New”
- Select “Show Answers” button to see the answers
- Once generated, download the puzzles as PDF formats
- You can also Download Preview before actually downloading the puzzles
- Print the puzzles and start playing. Or create a workbook and start selling
- Note: Only English letters are supported. Any other NON-English characters or European accented characters may cause unexpected results.
What Kind of Word Search Puzzles Should I Make?
When you are customizing a word search puzzle, it is entirely up to you to include the type of words you want to use in your word search puzzle.
To keep the players interested, make sure to use the words that are not too long in length. Try to avoid phrases that can get mixed up easily with other words.
Avoid words that require special characters, punctuation marks or numbers.
PLEASE NOTE: After you create your puzzle, proofread carefully to make sure that offensive or unintended words are not used. If you happen to come across any, you can generate another puzzle by following the steps above.