How to Make Your Own Word Search by Hand

Making your own word search is a fun project, and it makes a thoughtful, personal gift.

What you need

• Graph paper or a ruled grid
• A pencil and eraser
• A pen
• A list of words

Step 1: Choose a theme and words

Pick 10 to 15 words. A theme makes it more fun: a birthday, a trip, a favourite film.

Step 2: Draw the grid

For a beginner, 10 by 10 squares is a good size. Larger grids need more words.

Step 3: Place the long words first

Write the longest words in the grid first. Place them in different directions:

• Across
• Down
• Diagonally
• A few backwards, if you want a challenge

Step 4: Add the shorter words

Fit shorter words into the gaps. Let some words cross at shared letters.

Step 5: Fill the empty squares

Fill the rest of the squares with random letters. Use a mix, and avoid repeating the same letter in clusters.

Tip: include some of the letters from your words in the filler, so that the grid doesn't give away where the words are.

Step 6: Make the list

Write the words you hid in a list beside the grid, in a neat order.

Step 7: Test it

Try solving it yourself, or ask a friend. Check that every word can be found, and that no accidental extra words cause confusion.

Making it special

• Add a title and a decorative border.
• Use colour for the list.
• Write a small message hidden in the grid.

Digital option

Several websites let you type in words and generate a puzzle automatically.

Tips

1. Place long words first.
2. Test your puzzle.
3. Add a personal touch.

Relax with an endless word search in Crossword - Word Search Game →