Crossword Puzzle Generator

Crossword puzzles capture our imagination with their challenge and fun. Many people enjoy making their own puzzles for classrooms, parties, or simply for a brain tease at home. In this article, I check out 7 different crossword puzzle generators. I look into what each one offers, along with their pros, cons, current costs, and mobile app availability.

If you love crossword puzzles or want a tool to create one quickly, this detailed review might help you find the right generator. Whether you are a teacher preparing materials or a hobbyist looking for the next creative project, each option has its own set of features worth considering.

1. My Crossword Maker

My Crossword Maker offers an intuitive platform for creating custom puzzles. I found that its design is great for beginners and educators. The website is easy to navigate and allows conversion of word lists into puzzles. Here’s a look at its features:

Pros: User-friendly interface, customizable puzzle formats, and a large library of templates.
Cons: Limited advanced customization for experienced creators, and puzzles can sometimes feel too basic.
Current Costs: Free use for 30 days. After that, a subscription to make unlimited crosswords is available. There are additional plans at a higher cost that include other types of word puzzles.
Mobile App: No dedicated mobile app, but the responsive website works on mobile devices.
Website: https://crosswords.brightsprout.com/my-puzzles

This option works well for users looking for quick solutions without complex design options. The simplicity of My Crossword Maker makes it a solid choice for beginners.

2. Crossword Compiler

Crossword Compiler is a desktop-based program focused on serious crossword designers. It appeals to those looking for lots of options and a powerful set of features that allow significant control over the puzzle creation process.

Pros: Extensive customization options, advanced tools for grid design, and robust support for different puzzle styles.
Cons: Steeper learning curve for newcomers and only available on certain operating systems.
Current Costs: Subscriptions are based on a yearly payment cycle and include all major and minor updates to all included products. Alternatively, you can make a one-off purchase.
Mobile App: There is no mobile app; this one is purely for desktop use.
Website: https://www.crossword-compiler.com/

If you like fine-tuning every aspect of your crossword, Crossword Compiler’s detailed features are perfect. It offers everything a professional puzzlemaker needs.

3. Eclipse Crossword

Eclipse Crossword takes a straightforward approach to generating puzzles. It is especially well-suited for those who prefer simplicity over a steep learning curve. Many users appreciate its efficiency and streamlined process.

Pros: Fast puzzle generation, standard design, and hassle-free exporting options.
Cons: Limited design flexibility, basic customization features, and no support for non-standard grids.
Current Costs: Free to use, making it an attractive option for educators and hobbyists.
Mobile App: There is no dedicated mobile application. It does require downloading a program to your computer.
Website: https://www.eclipsecrossword.com/

If you need to draft a crossword quickly without worrying about advanced design options, Eclipse Crossword keeps the process simple and free.

4. Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker

Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker is a well-established and widely used tool in classrooms. It makes creating puzzles fun and interactive for both teachers and students.

Pros: Offers a variety of puzzle types, ideal for educational settings, and is easy to use with clear step-by-step instructions.
Cons: Less flexibility in puzzle design, some annoying ads, and limited advanced options.
Current Costs: Free to access, which suits budget-conscious educators.
Mobile App: No separate mobile app, but the website adapts fairly well to smaller screens.
Website: https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/

The straightforward design and educational focus of Puzzlemaker from Discovery Education support effective teaching while keeping creation fun.

5. Crossword Labs

Crossword Labs offers a cloud-based solution to creating puzzles with real-time collaboration features. It’s ideal for team projects or collaborative classrooms.

Pros: Supports collaborative editing, cloud saving for easy access, and quick publishing options.
Cons: Limited design customization and the free version may involve some feature restrictions over time.
Current Costs: Offers a free version with basic features while charging a one-time lifetime membership fee for premium options.
Mobile App: There isn’t a dedicated mobile app but the platform is optimized for mobile browsers.
Website: https://crosswordlabs.com/

The collaboration-friendly features on Crossword Labs are especially useful if you’re working on puzzles in a team environment or want to share projects online seamlessly.

6. Armored Penguin Crossword Puzzle Maker

Armored Penguin provides an online tool for generating crosswords that focus on simplicity and effectiveness. It has a no-frills design which makes it easy to use for quick puzzle-making.

Pros: Simple interface, quick puzzle generation, and very accessible for beginners. Large collection of ready-to-use puzzles.
Cons: Limited advanced features and design customization may leave power users wanting more.
Current Costs: Free to access
Mobile App: No official mobile app, but the website is mobile friendly.
Website: https://www.armoredpenguin.com/crossword/

This tool works best for quick, uncomplicated puzzles, making it a practical choice if you need a seamless gateway into crossword creation.

7. PuzzleFast Crossword Generator

PuzzleFast stands out with its emphasis on speed. I appreciate how rapidly it converts ideas into ready-to-use puzzles. Though not as well-known as some competitors, it offers several appealing features.

Pros: Fast execution, minimalistic design, and efficient saving and printing options.
Cons: Fewer customization options when compared with more advanced tools, and the interface may seem too bare bones for some users.
Current Costs: It offers a free base model with links to purchase additional puzzles.
Mobile App: No dedicated mobile app, relying instead on a responsive website design.
Website: https://www.puzzlefast.com/

The focus on speed makes PuzzleFast a good option when you have a time crunch, even though it might not be ideal for users seeking extensive customization.

Closeup of hands holding a mobile phone with a blank crossword puzzle on the screen.

Final Thoughts

Each crossword puzzle generator has its own strengths and ideal user base. Whether you need a quick and simple tool or a robust program tailored for professionals, there is an option out there. I appreciate the variety available, as it means you can find a generator that matches your needs without hassle. For educators, free tools like Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker and Eclipse Crossword provide an accessible way to engage students. Hobbyists and beginners can start with simple interfaces, while advanced creators have powerful options.

The choice depends on what you need. Cost considerations, ease of use, and whether you prefer a mobile-friendly experience are all factors that might sway your decision. I hope this review gives you the insight needed to pick the tool that best fits your crossword-making style. Your ideal generator may save you time during design workshops, classroom challenges, or even a fun family game night.

When deciding on a generator, it is very important to consider how each tool fits into your overall puzzle-creation process. Teachers might value a platform that is straightforward and quick to use, while more experienced puzzlers may look for a next-level cool tool that offers intricate design options and deep customization. The next stage of digital tools in puzzle generation has made it easier than ever to bring your creative ideas to life. It’s worthwhile to try multiple options – start with the free versions, get a feel for how each one operates, and then decide if a premium version could take your puzzle-making abilities up a notch. Spending a little extra time now, gathering opinions and experimenting, may pay off later when you’re able to design puzzles that perfectly match your needs. Understanding your creative style and the specific requirements of your project can really help you pick the best tool available.

Related Articles:

Make Your Own Crossword Puzzle

Free Crossword Puzzle Apps

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