Word Search Maker
Type your word list and get a printable word search with an answer key, ready as a PDF in seconds. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
What is a word search maker?
A word search maker turns a list of words into a puzzle: the words are hidden in a grid of letters, and the student circles each one. This one places your words across, down, diagonally, and backwards, fills every empty square with a random letter, and adds a word bank under the grid. It also draws an answer key with every hidden word highlighted. Pick a grid size, add a title, and download the PDF. Nothing to install, nothing to sign up for.
When do you use a word search?
Whenever students should look closely at words they are learning. Three moments where a custom puzzle beats a premade one:
Vocabulary and spelling review
Paste this week's spelling list or the unit's key terms and print a puzzle that matches them exactly. Students find each word in the grid, which means they see every spelling again, letter by letter, without a drill.
Early finishers and sub plans
Keep a few puzzles in the folder for the student who finishes first, or leave one in the substitute plans. Every puzzle comes with an answer key, so whoever is covering the room can check it in a minute.
Seasonal and holiday fun
Fall words in October, winter words in December, a back-to-school puzzle on day one. Type the words, pick the grid size that fits the grade, and print a fresh sheet for the whole class in a few minutes.
Core features of
a word search maker
A good word search generator takes your list and gets a clean sheet out the other end. Here is what this one does, from the first word to the printed page.
Type or paste your words
Put one word on each line, up to 30. A line like "planet, the Sun's neighbor" keeps just the word. Spaces and hyphens drop out, duplicates are ignored, and a hint under the box says how many words were hidden.
- One word per line, up to 30 words
- Paste a list from a document or spreadsheet
- A hint names any word that was left out
Words go every direction
Words run across, down, and on both diagonals, and each can be backwards. Longer words go in first and lean toward crossing words already placed. Every empty square gets a random letter.
- Across, down, and both diagonals
- Backwards in every direction too
- Longer words placed first, crossing where they can
Pick the grid size
Set the grid from 6 by 6 up to 24 by 24 letters. The default is 15. If your words need more room, the grid grows on its own and the hint tells you the new size.
- A stepper from 6 to 24 letters
- The grid grows by itself when needed
- Choose capital letters or lowercase
An answer key for every puzzle
Switch between the Worksheet and the Answer Key. The key shows the same grid with a red highlighter band over every hidden word. Press New Puzzle for a different grid from the same words.
- Red highlighter band over every hidden word
- New Puzzle gives a fresh grid, same words
- A word bank in alphabetical columns
Download the PDF or print it
The Worksheet and Answer Key download buttons give you two PDFs. Print sends the sheet to the printer. Choose US Letter or A4, edit the title and directions, and switch the Name and Date row off if you want.
- Two PDFs: the worksheet and the key
- US Letter or A4 paper
- Editable title, directions, and Name and Date row
How to make
a word search
Five steps from a blank page to a stack of puzzles, and typing the words is the longest part.
Type your words
Put one word on each line, up to 30, or paste a list from a document. The hint under the box shows how many words were hidden and names any that were left out.
Set the grid size
Use the Grid size stepper to go from 6 to 24 letters, and choose ABC or abc. A smaller grid suits younger students. If your words need room, the grid grows on its own.
Add a title and directions
The title reads "Word Search" and the directions read "Find each word. Words go every way, even backwards." until you type your own. Switch off the Name and Date row if you do not need it.
Press New Puzzle if you want another
Press New Puzzle for a different grid from the same words. Switch to Answer Key to see every hidden word highlighted. Do it as often as you like.
Download or print
Choose US Letter or A4, then download the Worksheet for the student page and the Answer Key for yours. Or press Print to send the sheet to the printer.
That's the whole puzzle
Type the words once and print as many puzzles as you need. The maker is at the top of this page.
Make a Word Search
Get started in under 5 minutes.
Sign up and walk through the onboarding tutorial. By the end you've got your classes set up and you're ready to plan your first lesson. No credit card required.
Get Started for FreeMore than a puzzle template
A premade puzzle uses someone else's words. This one builds the grid from yours, checks that they fit, and gives you the key. It runs in any browser, including a locked-down school laptop.
Every direction, including backwards
Words run across, down, both diagonals, and backwards in all of them, so students scan the whole grid instead of reading line by line.
A grid that grows to fit
If your list needs more room than the size you set, the grid expands and a hint gives the new size. No word is dropped silently.
A word bank and a Name and Date row
The word bank sits under the grid in alphabetical columns. The Name and Date row is on by default and switches off in one click.
US Letter or A4
Pick the paper you print on and the page is laid out for it. The worksheet and the answer key are two separate PDFs.
Your settings are remembered
Your words and settings stay in this browser, so you can close the tab and pick the same puzzle up later. Nothing is uploaded.
Free, and no watermark
No account, no sign-up, and no logo across the page. The only mark is a small "Made with EMStudio" line in the footer.
Who is the word search maker for?
Anyone who needs a puzzle built around a specific list of words. If a premade sheet never quite matches what you are teaching, it is for you.
Classroom teachers
Spelling lists, unit vocabulary, sight words, and seasonal fun. Type the words for your class, print a copy for every student, and keep the answer key for yourself.
Tutors and homeschool parents
Make a puzzle for this week's lesson and print it at the kitchen table. Use a smaller grid for a young reader and a bigger one for an older child.
Librarians and club leaders
Build a puzzle on a book's characters, a reading challenge, or a club theme. Put the words in, print the sheet, and set out a stack at the table.
How EMStudio's word search maker is different
Many word search generators bury the download behind a sign-up, add a logo to the page, or give you no answer key. This one is built by the team behind a full teacher planner, and it treats a puzzle as part of your lesson.
Free, with nothing held back
The full PDF, the answer key, both paper sizes, and printing, all without an account or a daily limit. The only mark on the page is a small "Made with EMStudio" footer line.
An answer key every time
Every puzzle comes with its own key, with a red band over each hidden word. You never have to solve the page yourself to be sure it is right.
Part of a full teacher planner
A puzzle is one small part of a lesson. When you are ready, EMStudio's lesson planner holds the rest: every class's lessons on a weekly calendar, beside your students, grades, and attendance.
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