Free word search maker with an answer key
This tool turns your own word list into a print-ready PDF: a puzzle page with the grid and the word list, and a second page with the answer key, each word highlighted where it sits. Choose a grid from 10 × 10 up to 20 × 20 and a difficulty. Everything runs in your browser — change an option and the preview updates, then download.
How to make a word search in three steps
- Paste your words, one per line. Letters only; spaces and punctuation are dropped.
- Pick a grid size and difficulty, and set a title.
- Click Download PDF and print both pages.
Grid size and difficulty
Longer words and longer lists need a bigger grid. Easy places words left-to-right and top-to-bottom only, which suits younger solvers. Hard adds diagonals and backward words for a harder hunt. If a word is too long for the grid, or the grid is too crowded to fit it, the tool lists that word under the puzzle instead of dropping it silently — make the grid larger or shorten the list and it will fit.
The answer key
The second page repeats the grid with every placed word highlighted, so checking a finished puzzle takes a glance. Print only the first page for solvers and keep the answer key for yourself.
FAQ
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup and no login — open the page and use it.
What if a word will not fit?
It is listed under the puzzle as one that could not be placed, rather than quietly left out. Use a larger grid or a shorter word and regenerate.
Can I get a different layout for the same words?
Yes. Change the layout number to reshuffle the same list into a new grid.
Does my data leave my browser?
No. The puzzle is built locally in your browser and nothing is uploaded. Once the page has loaded you can work offline.