Free word search maker

What is a word search maker?

A word search maker is a tool that hides a list of words in a grid of letters. It places each word in a straight line — across, down, diagonally or backwards — fills the empty squares with other letters and produces an answer key. Teachers use word searches for spelling and vocabulary practice, parents for rainy days and road trips, and hosts as party games.

WordSearchBee places the longest words first, lets words cross where letters match, and fills the gaps with letters weighted by how often they occur in English, so no word stands out. It also checks that every word appears exactly once and that the filler never spells a rude word by accident — important when the puzzle is for children.

How to make a word search

1. Type your words. Enter a title and your word list — one word or phrase per line, or separated by commas. Up to 60 words.
2. Choose the difficulty. Easy hides words across and down, Medium adds diagonals, Hard adds backwards words and Expert also uses decoy letters. Pick a grid size or leave it on Auto.
3. Check the answer key. Switch to the Answer key tab to see every word circled. Click New layout for a different arrangement of the same words.
4. Print, save or play. Click Print / Save PDF for the puzzle on page 1 and the answer key on page 2, download a PNG, or click Play online.

Word search difficulty levels

Level	Directions	Best for
Easy	Left to right, top to bottom	Ages 4–7, early readers
Medium	+ diagonals (down and up)	Ages 7–10, large print for seniors
Hard	All 8 directions, including backwards	Ages 10+, adults
Expert	All 8 directions + decoy filler letters	Puzzle fans who want a real challenge

More about choosing settings in word search difficulty levels explained.

Free printable word searches

No time to type a list? Print one of 48 ready-made puzzles, each with an easier and a harder version and answer keys.

• Halloween18 words · Ages 6 and up
• Christmas18 words · Ages 6 and up
• Thanksgiving18 words · Ages 6 and up
• Animals18 words · Ages 5 and up
• Hard Word Search for Adults18 words · Adults and teens
• Large Print14 words · Seniors and low vision
• 3rd Grade18 words · Ages 8–9
• Baby Shower18 words · Party game for adults

Browse all printable word searches → · Word searches by age (5–12) →

Word search makers for every purpose

• Word search for kidsEasy level: across and down only · 8–12 words for ages 4–7
• Hard word searchExpert level: 8 directions + decoys · Grid 20 × 20 or larger
• Large print word search12 × 12 grid ≈ 15 mm letters · 10–14 words per puzzle
• Spelling word searchPaste the list straight from your planner · Lowercase matches reading books
• ESL vocabulary word searchOne topic per puzzle · Phrases with spaces work
• Name word search15–25 names fit a 15 × 15 grid · Warns about names inside names
• Word search maker for teachersLoad a preset, then edit the words · Same list at three levels
• Hidden message word searchMessage: 10–40 letters · Auto size fits words + message

Guides

• How to make a word search puzzleA good word search looks random but is carefully built.
• Word search difficulty levels explainedTwo puzzles with the same words can take two minutes or twenty.
• 15 ways to use word searches in the classroomWord searches have a reputation as busy work.
• How to solve word searches fasterMost people solve word searches by staring until a word appears.
• Word searches for seniors: benefits and large print tipsWord searches are one of the most popular pastimes among older adults — relaxing, social and easy to start.
• Word search party games: showers, birthdays and holidaysA word search is one of the easiest party games to run: no setup, quiet enough for any venue, and fair for guests of every age.

Frequently asked questions

Is this word search maker free?

Yes. Making, printing, saving as PDF, downloading PNGs and playing online are all free, with no sign-up, watermarks or limits.

How do I make a word search with an answer key?

Type or paste your words, choose a difficulty and click Print / Save PDF. Page 1 is the puzzle and page 2 is the answer key with every word circled. Switch to the Answer key tab to preview it.

How many words can I put in a word search?

Up to 60 words or short phrases, in grids from 8 × 8 to 30 × 30. Auto size picks a grid that fits all your words; for the best puzzles keep about half of the squares as filler letters.

Why did some of my words not fit?

A word must be no longer than the grid is wide, and very full grids can run out of room. Choose a bigger grid size, allow more directions or remove a few words — the maker lists anything it could not place.

Can I make a word search harder?

Yes: choose Hard (all 8 directions, including backwards) or Expert, which also fills empty squares with decoy letters taken from your own words. Bigger grids and hidden word lists make it harder still.

Can students play the word search online?

Yes. Click Play online, then drag across a word (or tap its first and last letter). Found words are highlighted and crossed off, with a timer. Copy link shares the exact puzzle.

Are my words uploaded or stored?

No. Puzzles are generated in your browser. A shared link stores the words after the # in the address, which browsers never send to our server.

Can I use the puzzles in my classroom or sell them?

Puzzles you make from your own word lists are yours to use however you like — classroom copies, newsletters, party games or commercial puzzle books — with no attribution required.