Build custom crossword puzzles from any word list in seconds. Perfect for vocabulary review, test prep, classroom activities, and study groups.
How to Make a Crossword Puzzle
Add your words: Type or paste vocabulary terms, spelling words, or any word list into the word input area. Separate words with Enter or comma, or upload a CSV file.
Generate your grid: Click "Generate Crossword" once you have at least two words and our algorithm builds an interlocking grid automatically.
Add clues: Write your own clues for each word, or use Create Clues (Pro) to have AI fill them in instantly. Clues update live in the puzzle preview as you type.
Customize: Switch to the Customize tab to choose a background color or pattern, add a description, toggle the name/date header, and upload a custom background image.
Reposition words: Use Reposition mode to drag words around the grid. Right-click a word to flip it between across and down. Expand or shrink the grid with the compass controls.
Save and share: Name your puzzle and click Save to get a shareable link. Students can solve it online on any device.
Features
Split-panel builder: See your crossword update in real time as you add words and clues.
Build and Customize tabs: The Build tab handles words, actions, and saving. The Customize tab has collapsible sections for appearance and print options.
AI clue generation: Automatically generate clues for all your words with one click (Pro).
Live clue editing: Clues update instantly in the puzzle preview as you type them.
Reposition mode: Drag words around the grid and expand or shrink it with arrow controls.
Background patterns: Choose from forest, mountains, flowers, stars, waves, and more, or upload your own image (Pro).
Print-ready: Print puzzles with clean formatting, hidden answers, and optional name/date headers.
Interactive solve mode: Share a link and let students solve the puzzle online in their browser.
Puzzle controls panel: After saving, a floating panel on the puzzle canvas lets you toggle solve mode, reveal answers, copy the share link, make your puzzle public, and set an access code.
Access codes: Require students to enter a code before they can start solving, great for classroom use (Pro).
CSV upload: Import word lists from spreadsheets (Pro).
Folders: Organize your puzzles into folders alongside your other Gridl content (Pro).
Printable Crossword Puzzle Maker
Every puzzle you build is print-ready from the start. Click Print at any time to get a clean worksheet with the grid and clues. Toggle the name and date header for classroom handouts, or hide the answers for a blank student copy. Pro subscribers can add decorative backgrounds and upload custom images to make worksheets more engaging.
Crossword Puzzle Maker for Teachers
Gridl is built with teachers in mind. Create a crossword from your vocabulary list, generate AI clues in one click, and share a link so students can solve it on any device. Use access codes to control when students can start. Organize puzzles into folders to keep units and classes separate. Or start from one of the free premade crosswords and use Copy & Edit to adapt it to your lesson.
Why Use Gridl for Crossword Puzzles?
Gridl is built specifically for teachers and learners. The redesigned editor gives you a clean two-tab layout, a persistent name and save section always visible at the bottom, a live puzzle preview, AI-powered clue generation, decorative backgrounds for engaging worksheets, and shareable links so students can solve puzzles on any device.
You can also start from one of our free premade crosswords. Open any puzzle and click Copy & Edit to copy it into the editor, then change the words, clues, or styling to suit your class. A free account is required to copy a puzzle.