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Free Word Search Maker for Teachers

Type your own words and instantly make a printable word search puzzle + answer key.

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

Type your words and press Generate Puzzle to make a printable word search.

How to use this in your class

  • •Paste your weekly spelling or vocabulary list straight into the box — the maker turns it into a ready-to-print puzzle in one click.
  • •Turn on 'Backwards words' for older students to make the puzzle harder without changing your word list.
  • •Keep the grid a few rows bigger than your longest word so every word fits — the maker tells you if any word was too long.
  • •Generate one puzzle, download the Answer Key PDF too, and you have a self-checking center activity with zero extra prep.
  • •Use a themed word list (ocean animals, Thanksgiving, multiplication facts) so the word search doubles as content review.

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Make your own printable word search in seconds

This free word search maker turns any list of words into a clean, printable puzzle. Type a title, paste your words one per line, choose a grid size, and click Generate — you instantly get a valid word search you can download as a PDF and hand out. There is no account to create and no watermark on the page. It works entirely in your browser, so your word lists never leave your computer.

Built for teachers and homeschoolers

Word searches are one of the most loved no-prep activities in any classroom. They build spelling, vocabulary, and visual scanning skills while feeling like a game. With this maker you can spin up a puzzle from this week's spelling list, a science unit's key terms, or a seasonal theme in under a minute — and download a matching answer key so checking takes seconds. Use them for early finishers, sub plans, homework, indoor recess, or vocabulary review.

How to use the word search maker

1) Type a title for your puzzle. 2) Enter your words, one per line. 3) Drag the grid-size slider so it is a little larger than your longest word. 4) Choose whether words can go diagonally or backwards. 5) Click Generate Puzzle to preview it, then Download PDF — and Answer Key PDF if you want the solution. Press Regenerate any time for a fresh layout of the same words.

Want puzzles that are already made? Browse our free printable word search worksheets across hundreds of themes — each one comes with an answer key and an instant PDF download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this word search maker free?
Yes — it is completely free with no sign-up. Type your words, generate the puzzle, and download a printable PDF as many times as you like.
Can I make a word search with my own words?
Absolutely. That is the whole point — paste or type any list of words (one per line) and the maker builds a custom puzzle around exactly those words.
Does it include an answer key?
Yes. After you generate a puzzle you can download a separate Answer Key PDF that shows every word circled in the grid, so checking is instant.
How many words can I add?
As many as fit in the grid. A 12×12 grid comfortably holds 10–15 words; bump the grid size up for longer lists. If a word is too long to fit, the maker flags it so you can shorten it or enlarge the grid.
Can I make the puzzle easier or harder?
Yes. Turn diagonal and backwards words on for a challenge, or off for younger students. A smaller grid with horizontal-only words is great for Kindergarten and Grade 1.

Want all of these in one app?

KiwiBee combines classroom tools, behavior management, LMS, and live quiz games — free for teachers.