Word Search Maker with Your Own Words
Type your words, choose the size and difficulty, then play on screen or print several different versions with their answer keys.
Word search
Your word search
Up to 20 words of 3 to 15 letters. Spaces are removed.
How to make your word search
- Type the words you want to hide, one per line, or load one of the example themes to get started.
- Choose the grid size and the difficulty. Add a title if you like, such as "This week's vocabulary".
- Press Make word search. If you don't like the layout, ask for Another version and the words move around.
- To play on a phone or a classroom screen, tap the first and the last letter of each word you find.
- To print, choose how many different versions you want and whether to include answer keys, then press Print.
Difficulty levels
| Level | Directions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Left to right and top to bottom | Early readers and the first grades |
| Medium | Diagonals going down and up as well | Older kids and family puzzle time |
| Hard | All eight directions, even backwards | Teens, adults, and puzzle fans |
Ideas for class, home, and parties
A word search is a classic way to review vocabulary: while hunting for each word, students read it several times and notice its spelling. It works for any subject, from planet names to the verbs in an English lesson.
Because you can print several versions with the same words in different places, each student or team gets a different sheet and nobody can copy a neighbor's answers.
- Vocabulary or spelling review before a test.
- A quiet activity for the end of class or a rainy day.
- A personalized puzzle for a birthday, wedding, or baby shower, with names and family words.
- Sheets to keep kids busy on a trip or at a grown-ups' gathering.
Tips for a good word search
- Mix long and short words: long ones shape the grid and short ones make it more challenging.
- As a rule of thumb, a 12 × 12 grid comfortably holds about 12 words; for 20 words, use 15 × 15 or larger.
- Printed word searches usually drop accents, which the tool can do for you.
- If a word doesn't fit, the tool tells you so you can enlarge the grid or remove words.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free, with no sign-up?
Yes. You make, play, and print word searches without an account. Your words are processed in your browser and never sent to a server.
Can I use words with accents?
Yes. You can keep or remove accents. If you keep them, accented letters also appear as filler so they don't give the answer away.
How many words can I add?
Up to 20 words of 3 to 15 letters. If one doesn't fit in the chosen grid, you'll see a notice listing the words left out.
How do I print the answer key?
Keep Include answer keys ticked. The puzzles print first, followed by one page per version with the answers highlighted.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Tap the first letter of a word and then the last one. If it's right, the word is highlighted and crossed off the list.