Crossword Maker

Free Crossword Puzzle Maker: Generate Custom Printable Crosswords

Create professional-quality crossword puzzles instantly with our free online crossword generator. Ideal for educators, event planners, and puzzle enthusiasts who need custom crosswords with personalised clues and vocabulary.

How to use the Crossword Creator:

1. Enter word-clue pairs: Type one entry per line using the format: WORD|Clue description (e.g., PUZZLE|A brain-teasing game).
2. Add a title: Optionally name your crossword (e.g., 'Biology Revision' or 'Movie Trivia Challenge').
3. Generate puzzle: Our algorithm automatically places words in an intersecting grid, maximising connections for an authentic crossword layout.
4. Review clues: Check the numbered 'Across' and 'Down' clue lists to ensure they match your intended difficulty.
5. Export options: Download as PNG for printing, save as PDF for digital sharing, or copy HTML to embed in newsletters and websites.

Why create a custom crossword puzzle?

Generic crosswords from newspapers or websites don't align with specific learning objectives or event themes. Our crossword puzzle builder gives complete control over vocabulary and difficulty, making it perfect for classroom assessments, corporate training quizzes, wedding reception entertainment, or personalised gifts. Teachers use it to reinforce subject-specific terminology, whilst event planners create themed puzzles for conferences and parties.

How does the crossword algorithm work?

Our generator uses an intelligent word-placement system that attempts to intersect words at shared letters, creating a compact and professional-looking grid. Longer words are prioritised first to establish the framework, then shorter words fill in gaps. If words cannot intersect, they are placed in separate rows or columns. The result is a properly numbered crossword with distinct 'Across' and 'Down' sections—just like published puzzles.

Is this crossword generator truly free?

Absolutely. Create unlimited custom crossword puzzles without subscriptions, watermarks, or feature restrictions. Your word lists and clues are processed locally in your browser, ensuring complete privacy—ideal for confidential training materials or proprietary content. There are no limits on grid size or clue complexity, making this the most flexible free crossword maker available online.

Tips for writing great crossword clues

The best clues are precise yet challenging. Use synonyms, wordplay, or contextual hints rather than direct definitions. For educational crosswords, clues can be questions that reinforce lesson content (e.g., PHOTOSYNTHESIS|Process plants use to make food). For entertainment, try cryptic hints or pop culture references. Our tool handles clue text of any length, displaying them clearly in the numbered list below the grid.