Word search directions and missing words
Check the missing-word message first, then adjust the grid, directions or list. A new arrangement helps crowded words, but not a word that is too long.
A word missing from the grid will appear in a message below the preview. Read the reason before changing anything. A crowded grid may need a new arrangement; a word that is too long needs more cells or a shorter word choice.
Choose directions and shared letters
Across & down places words left to right or top to bottom. Add diagonals allows diagonal paths too, while All directions also allows backward words. Every word follows a straight line. With overlap on, two words may share matching letters.
Choose directions you can explain to the group. More directions give the puzzle maker more places to put words, but also give readers more paths to check. To keep across-and-down words, try a larger grid or a shorter list first.
Make a word search easier to read
Why a long word cannot fit
ELEPHANT has eight letters. It cannot fit along a row, column or diagonal in a 5 × 5 grid, whatever seed you use. In the first example, CAT and DOG can be placed, while ELEPHANT is listed as missing.
- ELEPHANT — This word needs 8 cells. It cannot fit the chosen directions in a 5 × 5 grid.
Words used
CAT · DOG · ELEPHANT
Now increase the grid to 12 × 12, keeping the same words, seed and directions. There is room for ELEPHANT, and the second example shows where it was placed. Compare its answer page with the first one.
Save the details for this arrangement
Words used
CAT · DOG · ELEPHANT
See the complete Woodland Animals list
Choose the right fix
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| A word is longer than the grid. | Increase the grid size or remove the word. A new seed cannot add cells. |
| The words are too crowded. | Use a larger grid, allow matching-letter overlap, shorten the list or try New arrangement. |
| The words fit the grid, but the grid will not fit the paper. | Choose fewer rows and columns or a smaller text size. |
| Some words are still missing. | Read each reason below the preview, make the change and update the preview. |
Try the Solar System word list
Keep the matching answer page
Use the answer page that belongs to the current puzzle. Follow a highlighted path and compare the letters with the word list. If you print several arrangements of one theme, keep each puzzle and its own answers together.
Look over a new puzzle before sharing it, including the filler letters. The generator checks a small list of unwanted English sequences, but that limited check will not catch every word or every language. Try a new arrangement if you notice something unsuitable.
Play on screen
Open Play this word search on screen below the preview. Select the first and last letter of a word, in either order. Found words stay highlighted. Select a word in the list to reveal it, or choose Start over to clear the highlights and play the same puzzle again.
Using a keyboard, press Tab to enter the letter grid. Move with the arrow keys and select each endpoint with Enter or Space. Home and End move to the ends of a row; Ctrl+Home and Ctrl+End move to the first and last cells. Escape cancels the first endpoint you selected. Press Tab to move out to the word buttons.
On a phone or narrow screen, scroll the grid sideways to keep the letters readable. If you edit words or settings, update the preview before playing again. Only words placed in the current grid can be found, so check the missing-word message above it.