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Free crossword puzzle maker

Give it words and clues; it builds the interlocking grid, numbers it and lays out Across and Down for printing.

AI helper: suggest words or write clues

AI suggestions can be wrong. Check the list before you print. Your topic is sent to our AI provider and not stored.

Weather Crossword

Name ____________
1234567891011

Across

  1. 5. How hot or cold it is (11)
  2. 6. Spinning column of air (7)
  3. 8. Arc of colours after rain (7)
  4. 9. Very light rain (7)
  5. 10. Cloud at ground level (3)
  6. 11. Amount of water vapour in the air (8)

Down

  1. 1. Visible mass of water droplets (5)
  2. 2. Gentle wind (6)
  3. 3. Tropical storm with very strong winds (9)
  4. 4. Electric flash in a storm (9)
  5. 5. Loud rumble after lightning (7)
  6. 7. Prediction of coming weather (8)

Answer key

1C2B3HLR4LUOEI5TEMPERATUREGHRDZHUIE6TORNADOC7FND8RAINBOWIENRN9DRIZZLEE10FOGCAS11HUMIDITY

How to make a crossword puzzle

  1. List 10–20 answers with clues, one per line: Jupiter - Largest planet. Short and long words together make the tightest grids.
  2. Check the layout. Words that share no letters with the rest can't be connected; the tool tells you which ones.
  3. Press New layout to reshuffle the arrangement. Each attempt keeps the most compact grid that fits the most words.
  4. Print: grid and numbered clues on page one, filled answer grid on page two.

Writing clues that work in class

  • Match the clue to the lesson. A definition clue ("Water in gas form") tests vocabulary; a fill-in clue ("The water ___ moves water around Earth") tests reading.
  • Show the letter count. We add it in brackets automatically, which gives younger solvers a helpful check.
  • Add a word bank for mixed-ability groups: the puzzle becomes a matching task instead of pure recall.

Only have a vocabulary list and no clues? The AI helper above writes a first draft of clues for your exact words. Read them before you print; it can be wrong.

Questions people ask

How does the crossword generator place my words?

It starts with your longest word, then tries every spot where each next word shares a letter with one already on the grid, preferring spots that create the most crossings. It runs dozens of attempts and keeps the most compact layout that fits the most words.

Why can’t every word be placed?

A word needs at least one letter in common with the words already on the grid, and it cannot touch other words side by side. Words with rare letters (Q, X, Z) or very short words are the usual culprits. Press "New layout", or add a word that shares letters with it.

How do I write clues?

Put each word on its own line followed by a dash and the clue, for example "Jupiter - Largest planet". Lines without a clue print with a blank so you can write one by hand. The AI helper can also draft clues for your words.

Can I print the crossword with an answer key?

Yes. "Print / Save PDF" prints the blank grid and clues on page one and the filled answer grid on page two. Untick "Print answer key" for a student-only copy.

How many words make a good crossword?

Ten to twenty words give a satisfying grid that fits on one page. Mix long and short words, and include words with common letters like E, A, R, S and T so they have places to cross.

Is it free for classroom use?

Yes. Make and print as many crosswords as you like for your class, club or family. No account is needed.

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