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Crossword Puzzle Maker
with Text or Image Clues

Create printable crossword puzzles in seconds - type in any text clues, or choose from 2,000+ images to make visual vocabulary puzzles your students will love. Optionally add a word search to the same sheet.

✍️ Make a Text Crossword 🖼️ Make a Crossword with Images Browse Image Categories
🖼️
Image Clues

Students see a picture - no word given. They recall and spell the answer themselves.

📑
Text Clues

Classic crossword format. Type any hint you like - definitions, gap fills, questions.

📝
Optional Prompts

Add a short text prompt above an image clue for gap fills or guided hints.

🔍
+ Word Search

Tick one box to add a word search puzzle to the same printable sheet.

Crossword maker accepts compound words and phrases
Maker accepts compound words
 Optional text prompts above image clues
Optional text prompts
 Add-on word search puzzle
Add-on word search
 Crossword puzzle with image clues
Image clues crossword

How it works

1
Choose a clue type

Pick “text clues” to type any hints you like, or select an image category below for visual clues.

2
Enter your words

Type up to 20 puzzle words (text mode) or select up to 15 images. Use Auto-fill to get started fast.

3
Generate & print

Click “Get crossword” - the puzzle and answer key are both generated instantly as printable images.

4
Refresh to remix

Not happy with the layout? Refresh - the algorithm places words differently each time.

Text Clues Mode
Classic crossword with any text hints

Type a puzzle word and a matching clue - definitions, sentences, questions, anything. Up to 20 words.

Open Text Crossword Maker →

Popular Image Clue Categories

Select a category to open the maker with those images pre-loaded - 50+ categories available inside the tool

Adjectives Animals Body Parts Christmas Classroom Daily Routines Family Food Fruit Halloween Insects Months Numbers People School Sports Transportation Valentine’s Day Verbs Weather Browse All 50+ Categories Within the Maker →

Need a custom vocabulary list?

Use the Custom List Maker to mix words from any categories, then send your list directly to the crossword maker - no copy-pasting required.

Open Custom List Maker Browse MES Flashcard Images
Common questions

Crossword Puzzle Maker - FAQ

What types of clues can I use in the crossword maker?
Two main modes: image clues show a picture for each answer - students recall and spell the word with no text given. Text clues work like a classic crossword where you type any hint you like: definitions, gap-fill sentences, questions, or translations. In image mode you can also add an optional short text prompt above each picture for guided hints or gap fills.
How many words can I include?
Up to 20 words in text mode, up to 15 images in image mode. The puzzle algorithm places as many words as it can fit - if the grid gets crowded, reduce your word count or remove any very long words. Clicking “Get crossword” again regenerates a fresh layout from the same word list.
Can I add a word search to the same sheet?
Yes - there’s a checkbox in the maker to include a word search using the same word list. Both puzzles print on the same sheet, giving students two activities from one vocabulary set. Useful for fast finishers or as a warm-up before the crossword.
Can I use my own custom word list?
Yes. The Custom List Maker lets you mix vocabulary from any image categories and push the list directly to the crossword maker - no copy-pasting. In text mode you can also type any words and clues directly, with no image library needed at all.
The puzzle layout isn’t quite right - can I fix it?
Just click “Get crossword” again. The algorithm randomises word placement each time, so a fresh run often produces a cleaner grid. If a word consistently fails to appear, it may be too long to connect with the other words - try shortening it or swapping it out.
Is the crossword maker free?
Completely free. No account or login required. Generate your puzzle and answer key and print directly from the browser. The full image library and all clue modes are included at no cost.