Create a free printable classroom word search with your own spelling and vocabulary words. Choose a 12 × 12, 15 × 15 or 18 × 18 grid and print the worksheet or teacher answer key directly from your browser.
Classroom Word Search Generator
Create a unique word search from your own vocabulary. Choose the size and word directions, then print the puzzle for students or save it as a PDF. Teachers can show an answer key.
No sign-up, no external word uploads and no saved student data.
One word per line or separated by commas. Use 3–12 English letters per word, with no spaces.
Your printable puzzle
Preparing your word search.
Find these words
Teacher answer key
Coordinates start at row 1, column 1 in the top-left corner. The highlighted letters show the placements.
How to make a custom word search puzzle
- Enter five to twelve unique words with three to twelve letters each. Use one word per line or separate words with commas.
- Select a puzzle grid size and choose simple or mixed word directions.
- Click Generate puzzle to arrange the vocabulary words in a new grid.
- Click Print / Save PDF to print student copies, or Print answer key for a teacher version.
- To make a second puzzle with the same words, generate another arrangement before printing.
Classroom teaching ideas
Use spelling words from your current lesson, science concepts, geography terms or familiar sight words. For younger students, choose short words and easy directions. For older students, use a larger grid with diagonals and ask learners to define each word after they find it.
A word search is useful for word recognition, but it should complement explicit reading instruction and vocabulary discussion. Review generated puzzles before giving them to students.
Related classroom activities
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own vocabulary words?
Yes. Enter five to twelve different words of three to twelve English letters each. Spaces, punctuation and numerals are not supported in the word list.
Can I download the word search as a PDF?
Select Print / Save PDF, then choose your browser’s Save as PDF option. There is no account or separate download service.
Can I generate an answer key?
Yes. Show solution highlights the word locations and lists their starting row, column and direction. Print answer key produces a teacher copy.
Are the words hidden backward?
No. Easy mode places words forward across or downward. Mixed mode also permits diagonal words running down and to the right.