About buildacrossword.com
I built this tool because every crossword maker I found online was either paywalled, covered in ads, or required an account just to print a puzzle. I wanted something simple. Paste your clues, get a crossword, print it.
buildacrossword.com is free, has no ads, and never asks for your email. It works for teachers making vocabulary worksheets, families putting together party games, or anyone who wants to give someone a more personal alternative to a greetings card.
One feature I'm particularly happy with is the hidden message. You can embed a secret word into the grid so that solving the crossword reveals it. It started as a fun idea and turned out to be the thing people use most.
What the tool does
Hidden message
Hide a secret word inside the grid — solvers reveal it as they fill in the answers.
Instant layout
Paste your clues and the crossword is generated instantly. Regenerate for a different arrangement.
Print-ready
As simple as it gets. Click a button and send to your printer
Share a link
Every puzzle gets a unique URL you can send to anyone, or get back to change the clues