Large print word search maker

Tips for a great large print word search

Letter size on a printed word search depends on one thing: how many squares fit across the page. The puzzle always fills the printable width, so a 12 × 12 grid on letter or A4 paper prints each letter at roughly 15 mm per square — about three times the size of a typical newspaper puzzle.

For seniors, people with low vision or anyone recovering from eye surgery, keep the grid between 10 × 10 and 14 × 14 and use 10–14 words. The Medium level (across, down and diagonal) keeps the puzzle engaging without the frustration of backwards words.

Print at 100% scale (turn off "fit to page" if your printer shrinks the page) on bright white paper. Activity coordinators in senior living often print a stack at the start of the week; a theme that sparks conversation — old songs, recipes, places — makes the activity social as well as stimulating.

Recommended settings

• 12 × 12 grid ≈ 15 mm letters
• 10–14 words per puzzle
• Medium: no backwards words
• Print at 100% on white paper

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.

FAQ