Word Search Generator
Turn your own list of words into a playable, printable word search puzzle.
What is the Word Search Generator?
This tool hides any list of words you provide inside a letter grid, in random directions, so you can play the resulting puzzle on screen or print it as a worksheet.
How to use it
- Enter your words (2-20 words), one per line.
- Pick a grid size and whether diagonal placements are allowed.
- Click Generate Puzzle.
- Play on screen by clicking the first and last letter of a word to mark it found, or click Print / Save as PDF for a printable worksheet.
How words get placed
Each word is tried at a random starting position and direction (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal if enabled, each forwards or backwards), checked for conflicts with already-placed words, and retried until it fits or enough attempts are exhausted. Remaining empty cells are filled with random letters so the hidden words don't stand out.
This is genuinely useful for teachers building a vocabulary worksheet, a party game with inside-joke words, or a themed puzzle for kids — nothing you type is uploaded anywhere.
Want the "why" behind this tool? Read How a Word Search Hides Words Without Making Them Obvious.