Word search maker
Create your own word search in seconds, free and with no sign-up: type your words — a spelling list, a party theme, the family's names — pick a difficulty, and get a puzzle you can play right here or print with its solution. No inspiration? The “Surprise me” button builds a ready-made grid from our dictionary, mystery word included.
One per line (or separated by commas) — 2 to 30 words, 3 letters or more.
0 / 30 words
Difficulty
We'll enlarge it automatically if your longest word needs more room.
Free, no sign-up — print it with its solution.
Made for classrooms, parties and rainy days
Teachers use custom word searches to review spelling and vocabulary lists — type this week's words and print a copy per student, solution page included for quick grading. They work just as well as party games: birthday themes, baby showers, holiday tables, or an icebreaker with everyone's first names hidden in the grid.
Spaces and punctuation are removed automatically (“ice cream” hides as ICECREAM), and every puzzle stays family-friendly.
Play it online or print it
Your puzzle is playable right on this page — drag to circle the words, the timer keeps score. The “Print / PDF” button produces the puzzle with its word list, followed by the solution with every word circled. Choose “Save as PDF” in the print window to keep a file.
Want a puzzle without typing anything? Try our daily word search — a new free grid every morning — or browse printable word search puzzles ready to go.
Frequently asked questions
Is the word search maker free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up. Type your words, the puzzle builds itself, and you can print it or save it as a PDF without creating an account.
Can I print the puzzle I made?
Yes. The “Print / PDF” button produces two pages: the puzzle with its word list, then the solution with every word circled. In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to get a file instead.
How many words can I use?
From 2 to 30 words, each between 3 and 15 letters (letters only — spaces and hyphens are removed automatically, so “ice cream” becomes ICECREAM).
What do the difficulty levels change?
The directions your words can hide in. Level 1: across and down only — great for kids. Level 2 adds diagonals. Level 3 also allows backwards words, in all eight directions.
Can I generate a puzzle without typing words?
Yes — the “Surprise me” button builds a complete ready-made word search from our dictionary, mystery word included, at the difficulty you choose. Play it online or print it right away.
What if I only have a few words?
Check “Top up with dictionary words”: your words go in first, then the maker adds common English words until the grid feels full. Your list stays highlighted in the result, so you always know which words were yours.
What happens if a word does not fit?
If a word cannot be placed (grid too crowded, no room in the allowed directions), it is listed as “not placed” instead of being forced in. Try a new layout, a bigger grid, or a slightly shorter list.
What is a custom word search good for?
Classrooms love them for spelling and vocabulary lists; they also make great party games (birthday themes, baby showers, holidays) and office icebreakers. Your words, your puzzle.