Create a word search from any list
This word search maker turns a plain list into a print-ready puzzle in the time it takes to paste. It is built for the jobs people actually have: a teacher with this week’s spelling words, a parent with a road-trip theme, a club newsletter that needs a puzzle by Friday. Type words one per line or separated by commas, give the sheet a title, and the preview updates as you go.
Every word you submit is placed in the grid, or you get a clear message naming the ones that did not fit and what to change. Phrases are fine: spaces and hyphens are removed inside the grid but kept in the word bank, so “North Pole” is hidden as NORTHPOLE and listed the way you typed it.
Choosing a difficulty that suits the solver
Difficulty here means directions, which is what really makes a word search hard. Easy hides words only left-to-right and top-to-bottom, which suits early readers. Medium adds diagonals reading downwards and upwards. Hard uses all eight directions, including backwards, and is a fair challenge for older students and adults.
Grid size matters too. A 10×10 grid with 8–10 words is a good first puzzle for ages 5–7. Most classroom sheets sit at 13–15 squares with 12–20 words. For adults, try 18–22 squares with hard directions and the word bank sorted A–Z. Turning off "Let words share letters" makes words easier to spot, because no two words cross.
Using it for spelling lists
For a weekly spelling word search, paste the list straight from your planning document. Keep the name and date line on so sheets can go straight into a homework folder. Print the answer key separately: it is the same grid with each word outlined, which makes marking a stack of sheets quick. Want the same words in another format? The links below send you to a bingo card or word scramble maker that accepts the same list.
Limits worth knowing: grids run from 8×8 to 22×22, up to 60 words per puzzle, and letters A–Z only (accented letters are hidden as their plain versions). Each puzzle is checked so that every word can be found exactly once. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Questions people ask
How many words fit in a word search?
As a rule of thumb, the total letters of your words should be well under half the squares in the grid. A 15×15 grid (225 squares) comfortably takes 15–20 average words. If something does not fit, the generator names the words and suggests a bigger grid or a harder level.
Can I make a spelling word search?
Yes. Paste your spelling list, keep the name and date line on, and choose Easy or Medium so the focus stays on recognising the words. The answer key prints on its own page.
Does the answer key match the puzzle exactly?
Yes. The key is drawn from the same grid, with each word outlined where it was placed. Every puzzle is also checked so that no word accidentally appears twice.
Can I use phrases or names with spaces?
Yes. Spaces, hyphens and apostrophes are removed in the grid but kept in the word bank. Accented letters are hidden as plain letters (é becomes E); other alphabets are not supported yet.
What makes a word search hard?
Mostly directions: backwards and diagonal words are much harder to spot. A larger grid, more filler letters and hiding the word bank make it harder still.
Is it free to print for my class?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a small site name in the footer. Print as many copies as you need for your class or group.