Two Pro Features That Make the Crossword Builder Worth Upgrading

The crossword builder on Gridl is free and always will be. You can add words, generate a grid, write your own clues, print, and share without spending a cent. But there are two Pro features that save so much time they are worth calling out on their own: AI Clue Generation and Reposition Mode.

AI Clue Generation

Writing clues is the slowest part of making a crossword. You have a grid with 15 or 20 words, and now you need to come up with a clear, age-appropriate hint for each one. For a vocabulary unit you know well, that might take 10 minutes. For a topic you are less familiar with, it can take longer.

With Pro, you click Create Clues and the AI writes a clue for every word in your puzzle at once. The clues are clear, concise, and classroom-appropriate. If you do not like one, just edit it inline. The AI gives you a starting point so you are never staring at a blank input field.

This one feature can turn a 15-minute task into a 30-second task. If you make crosswords regularly, it pays for itself the first time you use it.

Reposition Mode

Sometimes the generated grid is close to what you want, but not perfect. Maybe a long word ended up on the far left and the layout feels lopsided. Maybe two words overlap in a way that looks cramped.

Reposition mode gives you full control over the grid layout after generation:

• Drag words to move them to a new position on the grid
• Right-click a word to flip it between across and down
• Use the compass arrows to expand or shrink the grid in any direction

The editor highlights valid drop zones in green so you always know where a word can go. Invalid positions show up in red, so you never accidentally break the puzzle. When you are done repositioning, just click the button again to exit and keep editing clues.

This is especially useful for teachers who want a specific grid shape (compact for younger students, or wider for a worksheet with extra whitespace) or who want certain key words to land in prominent positions.

What Else Comes With Pro?

Beyond clue generation and reposition, a Gridl Pro subscription ($15/year) also includes:

• Background colors and patterns on crosswords, word searches, flash cards, matching games, bingo cards, and worksheets
• Custom background image uploads for branded or themed puzzles
• CSV upload for importing word lists from spreadsheets
• Folder organization to keep your puzzles sorted by class, unit, or semester
• Access codes so you can control when students start a puzzle or game
• Unlimited saved puzzles (free accounts have a limit)

Everything on Gridl is designed for teachers who make puzzles regularly. Pro just removes the friction.

Try It

Open the crossword builder, add some words, and generate a grid. You will see the Create Clues and Reposition buttons in the sidebar. If you are on a free account, they will show you how to upgrade.

Already have Pro? You are all set. These features are live now.

Upgrade to Pro and start building better crosswords today.