How to make a word search
- Type or paste your words into the box, one per line or separated by commas. You can also start from a theme and edit the list.
- Give it a title, such as “Unit 3 Vocabulary” or “Week 6 Spelling”.
- Pick a difficulty. The grid size adjusts to fit your words, or you can set it yourself.
- Click Print / Save as PDF. The answer key prints on page 2 with every word highlighted.
- Want a different puzzle? Click New Puzzle to shuffle where the words are hidden. Your list stays the same.
Easy, medium and hard puzzles
| Level | Word directions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Across → and down ↓ only | Kindergarten to Grade 2, and early readers |
| Medium | Across, down and diagonally | Grades 3 to 5 |
| Hard | All eight directions, including backwards | Grade 6 and up, and puzzle fans of any age |
Ways to use word searches in class
- Weekly spelling lists. Paste this week's words for a quick practice activity students enjoy.
- Unit vocabulary review. Use key terms from science, social studies or French so students see the spelling again before a test.
- Supply teacher plans. A themed word search is a reliable, low-prep activity to leave for a supply or substitute teacher.
- Early finishers. Keep a few copies ready for students who finish their work early.
- Make it a challenge. Untick “Show word list” so students only know how many words to find. It works well with vocabulary they should already know.
Classroom-safe puzzles
Random filler letters can occasionally spell words you would not want in a classroom. This maker checks every row, column and diagonal, forwards and backwards, and swaps out filler letters that spell common rude words before showing the puzzle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the word search maker free?
Yes. You can make, print and save as many word searches as you like, with answer keys, without an account.
How many words can I put in a word search?
Up to 30 words, each up to 20 letters long. The grid grows automatically to fit your words, up to 20 by 20. For younger students, 8 to 12 words works best.
What is the difference between easy, medium and hard?
Easy puzzles only run across and down. Medium puzzles add diagonals. Hard puzzles can run in all eight directions, including backwards, on a larger grid.
Can the random letters spell rude words by accident?
The maker checks the filler letters in every direction and replaces them if they accidentally spell a common rude word, so puzzles are safe to hand out in class.
Can I hide the word list to make it harder?
Yes. Untick Show word list and the puzzle only tells students how many words to find. The answer key still lists every word.
Can I use words with spaces, like ice cream?
Yes. Spaces, hyphens and punctuation are removed inside the grid, so ICE CREAM is hidden as ICECREAM, but the word list shows it the way you typed it.
More free worksheet generators
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See all tools on the worksheet generators page.