How do I make a word search?

Enter your own list of words, one per line, and generate the grid. The maker places each word in the grid in one of eight directions and fills the remaining cells with random letters so the words are hidden. You can then solve it on screen or print it.

Which directions are the words hidden in?

Words can run left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, and along all four diagonals. Mixing in backwards and diagonal placements is what makes a search genuinely tricky rather than a quick read across the rows.

What if a word is too long for the grid?

If a word will not fit in the grid you have, the maker tells you which words it could not place rather than cutting them off. You can then shorten the word, remove it, or use a larger grid so everything fits.

Can I print the puzzle?

Yes. Once the grid is generated you can print it along with the word list, which makes it easy to hand out copies for a class, a party or a quiet afternoon away from the screen.

Word Search Maker

Make a free word search from your own list of words, then play it on screen or print it out. The maker hides each word in the grid in any of eight directions, including diagonals and backwards, and fills the gaps with random letters. Great for classrooms, parties and rainy afternoons.

Free, with no ads in the way
No sign-up, no app
Plays instantly in your browser
Scores stay on your device
Works offline after first load

Read the guide: How to Make a Word Search

Your words, one per line

Two letters or more, letters only. The grid sizes itself to fit your longest word.

Enter your words and press Generate.

How to use it

1
Enter your words

Type or paste your word list, one word per line. Use a theme, a spelling list or names, whatever suits the people who will solve it.
2
Generate the grid

The maker places your words across the grid in eight directions and fills the empty cells with random letters. Any word too long to fit is flagged.
3
Play or print

Find words by dragging across them to highlight, or print the puzzle and word list to solve with a pen.

When it comes in handy

Classroom spelling practice

Turn this week’s spelling or vocabulary list into a puzzle that makes the words stick.

Party and event favours

Build a themed search with guests’ names or event words to hand out or set on tables.

Quiet solo solving

Make a puzzle from any list of words and hunt them down, on screen or on paper.

Free, private & 100% in your browser

The game runs right here in your browser. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many rounds you play, your scores stay on your own device, and once the page has loaded it keeps working even with no connection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a word search?: Enter your own list of words, one per line, and generate the grid. The maker places each word in the grid in one of eight directions and fills the remaining cells with random letters so the words are hidden. You can then solve it on screen or print it.
Which directions are the words hidden in?: Words can run left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, and along all four diagonals. Mixing in backwards and diagonal placements is what makes a search genuinely tricky rather than a quick read across the rows.
What if a word is too long for the grid?: If a word will not fit in the grid you have, the maker tells you which words it could not place rather than cutting them off. You can then shorten the word, remove it, or use a larger grid so everything fits.
Can I print the puzzle?: Yes. Once the grid is generated you can print it along with the word list, which makes it easy to hand out copies for a class, a party or a quiet afternoon away from the screen.