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Free Crossword Maker for Teachers

Type your own words and clues to instantly build a printable interlocking crossword + answer key.

Try our ClassBoard — whiteboard, timer, name picker & wheel on one classroom screen.Open

Enter your words and clues, then press Generate Crossword.

How to use this in your class

  • •Use your vocabulary or spelling list as the answers and write a short definition as each clue — the crossword becomes instant content review.
  • •Words that share common letters (E, A, R, T, S) interlock more easily, so a themed list usually packs into a tighter grid.
  • •Generate, then hit Regenerate a couple of times — each layout is different, so you can pick the one that fits your page best.
  • •Download the Answer Key PDF too: it shows the filled grid in red so you can check a whole class in seconds.
  • •Keep clues short and concrete for younger students ('Says moo') and make them trickier for older ones ('Largest farm mammal').

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Make your own crossword puzzle in seconds

This free crossword maker turns your own words and clues into a real interlocking crossword. Type a title, add each word with a short clue, and click Generate — the tool fits the words together, numbers them, and builds clean Across and Down clue lists. Download the blank puzzle and a matching answer key as printable PDFs. No account, no watermark, and it all runs in your browser so your word lists stay private.

Perfect for vocabulary and spelling review

Crosswords make students think about meaning and spelling at the same time, which is why they are such a reliable review activity. Use this week's spelling words, a unit's key vocabulary, or names from a story as the answers, and write the definitions as clues. In a minute you have a self-checking worksheet for early finishers, homework, sub plans, or a vocabulary warm-up — and the answer key means no extra marking.

How to use the crossword maker

1) Type a title. 2) Add your entries, one per line, as WORD: clue. 3) Click Generate Crossword to see the numbered grid with Across and Down clues. 4) Download the PDF, and the Answer Key PDF if you want the solution. Press Regenerate for a different layout of the same words. Looking for ready-made puzzles instead? Browse our free printable crossword worksheets across dozens of themes, each with an answer key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this crossword maker free?
Yes — completely free, no sign-up. Enter your words and clues, generate the puzzle, and download a printable PDF and answer key.
How do I add my own words and clues?
Type one entry per line in the form WORD: clue — for example 'CAT: a furry pet'. The maker interlocks your words into a crossword and numbers the clues into Across and Down lists automatically.
Does it make an answer key?
Yes. Alongside the blank puzzle you can download a separate Answer Key PDF with every letter filled in, so checking is instant.
What if a word won't fit?
Crosswords only interlock words that share letters, so occasionally a word can't connect to the rest. The maker tells you which words it couldn't place — swap one out or add a word that shares a common letter and regenerate.
How many words can I use?
Anywhere from a handful up to 20 or more. Around 8–15 words usually produces a nicely interlocked, page-friendly grid.

Want all of these in one app?

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