Free tool
Word search generator
Build a custom word search from your own words in seconds. Type a list — this week’s spelling words, a topic vocabulary, a party theme — choose the grid size and difficulty, and download a vector PDF with the word bank and answer key. Perfect for classrooms.
One per line (or comma-separated). Letters only.
10 words fit the grid.
Controls which directions words may run.
Word bank
- ELEPHANT
- GIRAFFE
- DOLPHIN
- PENGUIN
- MONKEY
- RABBIT
- TIGER
- ZEBRA
- PANDA
- KOALA
Medium — adds diagonals. The download is a two-page vector PDF: the grid with its word bank, then the answer key with every word ringed.
How the words are placed
The generator places your words longest-first, trying random positions and directions until each one fits. Where you allow overlapping, words can share letters, which makes the grid denser and the puzzle harder. The leftover cells are filled with random letters biased toward the letters in your words, so the grid is not trivially easy to scan. Every placement is recorded to build the answer key.
Choosing a difficulty
Easy runs words horizontally and vertically, forwards only — ideal for new readers. Medium adds diagonals. Hard uses all eight directions, including backwards and reverse-diagonal, for a genuine challenge. Match the direction set to your class and print the answer key to check work quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the word search generator free?
Yes — create and download as many custom word searches as you like, free for home and classroom use, with no signup.
Can I use my own word list?
Yes — type or paste any words, one per line. The generator fits them into the grid and builds the answer key automatically.
Why didn't all my words fit?
Long words need a big enough grid, and a crowded grid runs out of room. Increase the grid size or reduce the word count and the generator will place them.
Do the words go backwards?
Only on the hard difficulty, which uses all eight directions. Easy and medium keep words forwards.