Word Search Maker
Make a printable word search puzzle from your own words or a ready-made theme. Choose the difficulty and grid size, then print it with a word bank and answer key.
- Free, no sign-up
- No AI — answers are calculated, not guessed
- Made in your browser, nothing uploaded
Example worksheets
Made with this tool — click any example to see it full size.
How to make a word search
- Pick a theme, or type your own words — one per line.
- Choose a difficulty: easy, medium or hard.
- Optionally pick a grid size and uppercase or lowercase letters.
- Click Print / Save as PDF. The answer key prints after the puzzle.
Word searches in the classroom
Word searches are a great way to review spelling words and vocabulary: students have to recognize the exact letter sequence of each word to find it. They also make an easy early-finisher activity, a sub-plan backup or a quiet holiday party game.
Difficulty levels
- Easy: words run only across (left to right) and down — great for kindergarten to 2nd grade, especially with lowercase letters.
- Medium: adds diagonal words.
- Hard: words can run in all eight directions, including backwards.
Working on a weekly spelling list? The spelling worksheet generator makes a word search plus four other activities from the same list.
Frequently asked questions
Is this word search maker free?
Yes. Make and print as many word searches as you like, with answer keys, no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I use my own words?
Yes. Choose “My own words” or edit the list — up to 30 words. Spelling lists, vocabulary, names of students, anything.
How do I make it easier or harder?
Easy puzzles hide words only left-to-right and top-to-bottom. Medium adds diagonals, and hard adds backwards words in all eight directions. A bigger grid is also harder.
Is every word really in the puzzle?
Yes. Every word in the word bank is placed letter by letter and recorded, and the answer key highlights exactly where each one is. If a word is too long to fit, it is left out of the word bank and listed on the answer key.
Can I make several different puzzles at once?
Yes. Set “Puzzles” up to 10 to print different puzzles from the same word list.
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