What is a word search?
A word search (also called a word find or word seek) is a grid of letters with words hidden inside it. The words run in straight lines – across, down, diagonally, and on harder puzzles even backwards. Players look for each word on the list and circle it. Teachers use them for spelling and vocabulary practice, and they are a quiet, screen-free activity for parties, waiting rooms and long car rides. This word search generator builds the grid for you, fills the empty squares with random letters and makes a matching answer key.
How to make a word search with the word search generator
- Add your words. Type or paste one word per line. Spelling lists, names of the kids in a class, or vocabulary from a lesson all work.
- Choose a grid size. 10×10 suits young children; 15×15 is a good default; 18×18 and 20×20 make a long challenge.
- Pick the difficulty. Easy keeps words left-to-right and top-to-bottom. Hard hides them in all eight directions.
- Print or play. Click Print / Save PDF for a sheet with the answer key on page two, or Play online to solve it on screen.
Tips for a good puzzle
- Keep the longest word shorter than the grid width – a 12-letter word needs at least a 12×12 grid.
- For beginning readers, use 6–8 short words on a 10×10 grid with Easy difficulty.
- Want different versions for different tables or classes? Click New layout – every click makes a new layout with the same words.
Frequently asked questions
Is this word search generator free?
Yes. Make as many puzzles as you like, print them, and use them in class or at home. There is no sign-up.
How many words can I use?
As many as fit. A 10×10 grid holds about 8–10 short words; a 20×20 grid can hold 30 or more. If a word does not fit, the word search generator tells you which one so you can pick a bigger grid or remove a word.
Can I add phrases with spaces?
Yes. Spaces, hyphens and apostrophes are removed inside the grid (Candy Cane becomes CANDYCANE), but the word list shows the phrase the way you typed it.
What do the difficulty levels mean?
Easy hides words only left-to-right and top-to-bottom. Medium adds diagonals. Hard uses all eight directions, so words can also run backwards.
How do I make a PDF?
Click Print / Save PDF, then choose “Save as PDF” as the printer in your browser’s print window. Pick US Letter or A4 first; the answer key prints on its own page.
Can I play on a phone or tablet?
Yes. Tap Play online, then tap the first letter of a word and then its last letter. Found words turn green and are crossed off the list.
Does every puzzle come out different?
Yes. Any change, or a click on New layout, places the words in a new random layout, so you can make several versions of the same word list for different groups.