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Puzzlino
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Crossword maker

Enter your own words and clues, and Puzzlino arranges them into a numbered crossword you can print, with a separate answer sheet. Free, and no account needed.

Words and clues

Between 3 and 40 words. Each answer needs a clue.

Off: accents are removed in the grid (é becomes E).

Same words, settings and code give the same puzzle.

Preview

10 words placed in a 10 × 11 grid.

Animals

12345678910

Across

  1. 4Long ears and a fluffy tail (6)
  2. 5Bird that is awake at night (3)
  3. 6Striped relative of the horse (5)
  4. 8Bird that swims but cannot fly (7)
  5. 9Clever sea mammal that loves to jump (7)
  6. 10Big cat with orange and black stripes (5)

Down

  1. 1Desert animal with one or two humps (5)
  2. 2The tallest animal on land (7)
  3. 3Large grey animal with a trunk (8)
  4. 7Small animal covered in spines (8)

How it works

  1. Add a title if you like, then enter each answer word together with its clue. You need at least 3 and at most 40 words.
  2. Answers can be 2 to 20 letters long, and each clue can be up to 150 characters.
  3. Puzzlino tries many layouts and keeps the one that connects the most words. Check the preview and try another layout if you want a different arrangement.
  4. Download the PDF or print it. Page 1 has the empty grid with the Across and Down clues, page 2 the completed answer sheet.

Tips for a good crossword

  • Mix long and short words. Long words form the backbone of the grid, and short words fill the gaps and link everything together.
  • Words need shared letters to cross. Answers full of common letters such as E, A, R, S and T connect easily; a word made up of rare letters may end up on its own.
  • If a word cannot be connected, Puzzlino lists it instead of leaving it out silently. Try another layout, add a word that shares letters with it or replace it.
  • Around 10 to 20 words usually gives a compact, satisfying grid. With very few words the crossword looks sparse; with many it takes longer to solve.
  • Keep clues short and clear, and match them to your audience: a simple definition for beginners, a description or a fill-in-the-blank sentence for using vocabulary in context.
  • Spaces and hyphens are removed in the grid, so a two-word answer fills one continuous row. Accented letters can be kept or written without accents, just like in the word search.

In the classroom

A crossword asks for more than recognition: pupils have to recall a word from its clue and spell it correctly to make it fit. That makes it a great way to review a topic, check vocabulary in a foreign language or revise key terms before a test.

Write the clues yourself to target exactly what you taught. A definition, a translation or a sentence with a gap all work, and the answer sheet makes marking quick.

For seniors and memory training

Crosswords are a familiar pastime for many older adults and a good way to keep the mind active. A homemade crossword lets you choose the level: easy clues about everyday things, or questions about local history, old film titles and well-known songs.

Solving together in a small group works well too. One person reads out the clue, the others suggest answers, and the conversation often goes far beyond the puzzle itself.

Frequently asked questions

Is the crossword maker free?

Yes. You can make and print crosswords for free, without an account and without ads.

How many words do I need?

At least 3 and up to 40. Answers can be 2 to 20 letters long, and clues up to 150 characters.

Why is one of my words not in the grid?

A word can only be placed if it shares a letter with another word in the grid. Puzzlino lists any words it could not connect, so you can try another layout or adjust your list.

Does Puzzlino suggest clues for me?

No. You write every clue yourself, which means the crossword matches exactly what you want your group to learn.

Can I use phrases with more than one word?

Yes. Spaces and hyphens are removed in the grid, so the answer is written as one continuous word.

What do I get when I download?

A PDF in A4 or US Letter with the numbered empty grid and the Across and Down clues on page 1, and the filled-in answer sheet on page 2.

Are my words and clues stored?

Anonymous usage statistics are stored to improve the site, including the answers, clues and settings you enter. No IP address or user ID is kept; see the privacy page for details.