How to Make Word Search Puzzles for Free

A word-search puzzle is a two-dimensional box filled with letters in which you find hidden words that you circle. You can create such a puzzle free of charge on the Internet. You may choose to make a simple or detailed puzzle (with an ordinary or irregular shape), add photos, incorporate numbers, or create one in a language of your choice.

Instructions

Create a Simple Word-Search Puzzle

1. Go to SuperKids.com and click on "Hidden Word Puzzles" under "Vocabulary Builders."

2. Enter the words you want to use into the text box (one word per line). Then specify the size of the word-search puzzle.

3. Check "Easy version" if you don't want to include any backwards words. Then click on "Create page."

Create Detailed Puzzle in Multiple Languages

1. Visit A to Z Teacher Stuff to create a free puzzle.

2. Enter a title for your puzzle, then type in words (separated by commas, spaces or lines) you want the puzzle to contain.

3. Choose to show or hide the word list (answer key) on the puzzle. The word list may be placed on the right or bottom of the word search and sorted alphabetically.

4. Specify the settings---rows, column, grid style (a shape of your choice), font, or word placement (forward, backwards, diagonal, up and down). Then pick to use numbers or your preferred language.

5. Click on "Save settings" to keep your settings the next time you create a puzzle. Then press "Create puzzle."

Create Detailed Word Search Puzzle with Pictures

1. Go to TheTeachersCorner and enter your puzzle's name, instructions and words. Then pick your puzzle's size, color, grid, word placement and font.

2. Click on "Saving Options" to save the word list for later or to transfer it to other puzzles.

3. Select the "Add Image" tab and click on "I Agree." Then click on "Browse" to find the image you want to upload. Your image must be in GIF, JPG or PNG format. Select "Single Image" or "Tile my Image" and the background opacity.

4. Click on the "Extra Options" tab to specify word list letters, checkered grid, centering, or to manually place words in the puzzle.

5. Click on "Create puzzle" to generate the word search.

Tips & Warnings

• Option three, "Create Detailed Word Search Puzzle with Pictures," does not work in Firefox.

References

• SuperKids: Simple Puzzle Creator
• A to Z Teacher Stuff: Generated Puzzle
• TheTeachersCorner: Word Search Puzzle Generator