Create Printable Word Searches for Your Classroom in Seconds
This Word Search Generator makes it easy to create custom, printable word search puzzles for your students. Just enter your own list of words — or start with a pre-made list — and the tool will instantly generate a downloadable PDF that’s ready to print and hand out in class.
To get started, enter your words (one per line) or choose a pre-made word list, which you can edit if needed. Then customize your puzzle by choosing:
- Uppercase or lowercase letters
- Orthogonal only (horizontal and vertical) or orthogonal + diagonal word placement
- Forward only or forward and backward word direction
Once your options are set, click “Generate PDF” and then download your puzzle. You can print it right away and use it for vocabulary review, early finisher work, homework, or just a fun classroom activity.
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How To Use
Step 1: Choose “Custom” or “Pre-made”
Enter your own list of words, one per line, or select a pre-made list based on common classroom topics. You can edit any list before generating your puzzle.
Step 2: Choose your puzzle options
Select whether you want the puzzle to use uppercase or lowercase letters, and choose the word placement style — either orthogonal only (horizontal and vertical) or orthogonal and diagonal.
Step 3: Choose word direction
Decide if you want words to appear forward only, or forward and backward for a bit more challenge.
Step 4: Click “Generate PDF”
Once your settings are ready, click the button to instantly generate your word search as a PDF.
Step 5: Download and print
Download your PDF file and print copies for your students to complete in class or at home.
Suggested Ways to Use This Tool
Vocabulary Review
Use word searches to review key vocabulary from your current unit or topic. Enter your target words into the generator and print out a puzzle for students to complete independently or in pairs. It’s a simple way to help them reinforce spelling and word recognition without needing extra prep time.
Early Finisher Activity
Word searches are perfect for students who finish their work early. Just print a few puzzles in advance and have them ready to hand out. It keeps students engaged while others finish, without causing distractions or requiring extra supervision.
Homework Assignment
Print out a word search puzzle as a simple take-home task. It’s a great way to reinforce vocabulary outside the classroom without overwhelming students. You can even ask them to highlight or write a sentence using each word they find to extend the activity.
Student-Created Word Lists
Let students come up with their own word lists to generate custom puzzles. This works especially well as a creative review task — they can choose words from a topic you’ve covered, or even make a puzzle for a classmate to solve. If you have a printer available in class, they can print their puzzles straight away and hand them out to others.
Ready to get started?