Word search generator
Use this word search maker to create a printable or online puzzle for free, for any topic, grade level or occasion. Teachers, parents and tutors can add their own words or let AI generate words from a theme or extract keywords from a text. The solution sheet can be printed alongside the puzzle. The tool suits vocabulary lessons, spelling practice, themed units on animals or history, homework sheets and quiet classroom activities.
Create a custom word search puzzle online with your own words or with AI, optionally with a hidden message
- AI suggests words from a theme or extracts keywords from your text
- Use your own words
- Choose grid size (7×7, 11×11, 14×14) and difficulty
- Answer key included automatically
- Download as PDF or JPG, or print as worksheet
- Share via a unique link for online solving
- Free to use, no account required
How to make a word search puzzle
- Give your word search a title and theme — Enter a fitting title — for example "Forest animals", "School vocabulary unit 5", "Holidays at the sea" or "Spring". Optionally add a subtitle with the class, date or a short instruction.
- Add words (yourself, with AI theme or from a text) — Type your own words, give the AI generator a theme and let it generate the word list automatically, or paste a text (max 1500 characters) so the AI extracts the most relevant keywords. Every AI suggestion can still be edited before generating the puzzle.
- Choose grid size and difficulty — Select 7×7 for short words and younger children, 11×11 for a medium set, or 14×14 for longer or more words. Set the difficulty: easy hides words horizontally only, medium adds vertical, hard also adds diagonal.
- Generate the word search with answer key — Click Make. The word search appears online directly in a grid with the word list below it, and automatically with the answer key.
- Download as PDF, print as worksheet or share via link — Download the word search as PDF or JPG (including the answer key), print it directly as a worksheet, or share the unique puzzle link so others can solve it online. No account needed.
What can you use this word search for?
This word search suits vocabulary revision, spelling practice, lesson starters, substitute lessons, printable worksheets, NT2 or language classes, themed project weeks, speech therapy sessions and simple homework activities for children or adults.
Frequently asked questions
What is a word search generator?
A word search generator is an online tool that automatically builds a letter grid from your own words or AI-suggested words, with the word list to find below it and a matching answer key. The puzzle can be solved online, printed as a worksheet or shared via a link.
How do I make a free word search puzzle online?
On edupics.com you make a word search online for free, with no installation and no account. Give your puzzle a title, add at least 3 words (or let the AI do this from a theme or a text), choose a grid size (7×7, 11×11 or 14×14) and difficulty, and click Make. The word search appears online instantly and you can print it, download it as PDF or JPG, or share it via a link.
How do I make a word search with my own words or have AI suggest words?
Type your own words — minimum 3 words, and word length up to the chosen grid size (7, 11 or 14 letters). Or let the AI help: give a theme (for example "animals" or "transport") and the AI suggests matching words, or paste a text of up to 1500 characters and the AI extracts the most relevant keywords. Every AI suggestion can still be edited manually before generating the puzzle.
How do I make a word search with answer key?
Every word search you create on this site automatically includes an answer key with all words highlighted in the grid. The answer key is part of the PDF download and the printed version — handy for quick checking in class or at home. You don't need to tick anything extra; the answer key is included by default.
Which grid size (7×7, 11×11 or 14×14) and difficulty should I choose?
The grid size determines both the number of words and the maximum word length: 7×7 fits 5–8 short words for younger children, 11×11 suits a medium set of 8–12 words, and 14×14 fits longer or more words up to 14 letters. The difficulty controls the direction in which words are hidden: easy places words horizontally only, medium adds vertical, and hard also adds diagonal.
Can I download or print my word search as a PDF?
Yes. After creating, you can download the word search directly as PDF or JPG — including the answer key — or print it straight away as a worksheet. No extra software needed; everything works directly in your browser. The print version has a clean layout with title, word list and grid on a single page.
Can I hide a secret word or sentence inside my word search?
For a word search where the leftover letters together form a hidden word or sentence, don't use this word search generator but the separate hidden-word generator on this site. There you choose your own end-solution (word or short message) and the generator places the other letters around it. Use the word search generator for a classic word search; use the hidden-word generator when an end-solution should be part of the puzzle.
Can I use the generated word searches freely, including commercially?
Yes. All puzzles created on this site with the crossword, word search and hidden-word generators are released under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) license. They may be used freely, including commercially; attribution is not required.
For more information, visit our blog.
- crossword puzzle maker – Create an online crossword with your own words and clues or with help from AI.
- hidden word puzzle generator – Make a puzzle with a hidden word or short message for classwork or home use.