Word Search Maker
Free printable word search maker — pick a category or use your own word list, play online with drag selection, hints and a timer, or print a clean puzzle. All 8 directions, no signup.
Find these words
Drag across letters in any of the 8 directions — words can read forwards or backwards. Found words lock in green.
Quick Answer
A word search (or word find) is a grid of letters hiding words in 8 directions: right, left, up, down, and the four diagonals. To make your own, enter a word list, generate the grid, and either play on screen (drag to select words) or use the print layout for a classroom-ready puzzle. This free word search maker generates unique puzzles instantly, supports 10–20 letter grids, and never sends your words to a server.
How It Works
Choose your words: pick a category bank or switch to a custom list and type your own
Select a grid size (10, 12, or 15) and click New Puzzle
Drag across letters to find words on screen, or click Print for a clean handout
Key Facts
- Category banks (animals, countries, food, science, sports) or fully custom word lists
- Words hide in all 8 directions, including reversed diagonals
- Play on screen with drag selection, hints, and a timer — or switch to the clean print layout
- Grid sizes 10, 12, and 15 suit beginners through adults
- Every generation produces a unique puzzle from a cryptographically seeded shuffle
- Print layout shows only the grid and word list — no ads, buttons, or browser chrome
- 100% client-side: word lists never leave the browser, works offline
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my own word search puzzle?
Choose "Custom list" from the category picker, type or paste your words (one per line or comma-separated), pick a grid size, and click New Puzzle. The generator packs your words into the grid in 8 directions and fills the rest with decoy letters. You can play immediately or print it.
Can I print the word search?
Yes. Use the Print button (or Ctrl+P / Cmd+P). The print stylesheet strips all interface elements and outputs just the letter grid and the word list, so it works as a handout. Words are printed below the grid, not marked on it.
What directions can words hide in?
All 8: horizontally (left-to-right and right-to-left), vertically (both ways), and all four diagonals. Harder-feeling puzzles tend to come from bigger grids and more diagonal placements — the generator places words randomly across all directions.
How many words fit in a word search?
Roughly 8-12 words for a 10×10 grid, 10-15 for 12×12, and up to 20 for 15×15, depending on word length. Longer words are packed first. Words that cannot fit are skipped, and the word list updates to show only what is actually in the grid.
Is this word search maker free?
Completely free with no signup, no watermarks, and no limits on how many puzzles you generate. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your custom word lists are never uploaded.
What age are word searches good for?
Word searches build letter recognition and pattern-scanning skills, so they work for early readers (use the 10×10 grid and short categories like animals) through adults (15×15 with long custom words). Teachers commonly use them for vocabulary units, spelling practice, and themed activities.
Why do some words disappear from my list when I generate?
If a word is longer than the grid, contains non-letter characters after cleaning, or physically cannot be packed with the other words, the generator skips it rather than producing an invalid puzzle. Shorten the word or increase the grid size to include it.