Word Search Generator
Build a printable word search puzzle from your own words, with grid size, direction and answer-key options.
Words to find
Answer key
Plain-text puzzle
The themed word lists are a small curated set (about 200 words across 14 themes), not an exhaustive dictionary — they are there as a starting point, and your own words always work.
How it works
Type the words you want hidden, choose how big the grid should be and which directions words may run, and the puzzle is built instantly in your browser. Words are placed longest first: the generator picks a random square and direction, checks that every letter either lands on an empty cell or on an identical letter already there (so words can cross), and retries until it finds a fit. Any leftover squares are filled with random letters — or, if you pick the harder option, with letters sampled from your own words so the fillers blend in. Words are stripped down to A–Z, so “New York” becomes NEWYORK.
Enter a seed and the puzzle becomes reproducible: the same words, size, directions and seed always give exactly the same grid, which is handy if you want to print the same worksheet twice. If a word will not fit, the generator says so instead of dropping it silently — increase the grid size or shorten the word. Everything runs client-side with plain JavaScript; no words are uploaded, there is no signup and there are no ads.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a word search puzzle with my own words?
Type or paste your words in the box — one per line, or separated by commas — and the grid is built as you type. Choose how many letters per side you want, tick which directions words may run, then download the puzzle and the answer key as text files you can print. Spaces and punctuation are stripped, so "New York" becomes NEWYORK.
Can I get the same puzzle again later?
Yes. Enter anything you like in the seed field — a number, a date, a class name — and the same words, grid size, directions and seed always produce exactly the same puzzle. Leave the seed empty and every click of "New puzzle" gives you a fresh grid instead.
What happens if a word does not fit?
The generator tries hundreds of random positions per word and lets words cross where letters match. If a word still cannot be placed — usually because it is longer than the grid, or the grid is crowded — it is listed in a message under the controls instead of being dropped silently. Increase the grid size, shorten the word, or allow more directions.