Word search generator
Pick a theme (or your own list), generate your grid and print it for free — grid + answer key, no signup.
The leftover letters, once words are crossed out, reveal this word.
"Generate the grid"
to see your puzzle here.
See our other free tools: name coloring page · maze · bingo.
A free, customizable word search generator
Create word searches (also called hidden words) in seconds: a letter grid in which the words to find are hidden. Pick a ready-made theme, let the AI generate a word list from any theme you choose, or enter your own words — one per line.
Three difficulty levels are available: easy (horizontal and vertical words only), medium (with diagonals) and hard (eight directions, reversed words included).
Word search with a hidden word
Turn on the "hidden word" option and enter a word or phrase (for example "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"): once the child has crossed out every word on the list, the leftover letters, read from left to right and top to bottom, reveal your hidden word. It's a much-loved variant from puzzle books.
Printable word searches in PDF (grid + answer key)
Download your word search as an A4 PDF: the grid and the word list on one page, the answer key (circled words and revealed hidden word) on the next. You can also print directly or save a PNG image.
Ideal to keep kids busy at home, in class, at a restaurant or on a trip — free and with no signup.
Custom word searches (birthday, names…)
For a party, enter the guests' names or words tied to the birthday theme, add a custom title and print a unique grid for each child. Looking for crosswords with clues instead? Try our crossword generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the word search generator free?+
Yes, 100% free and no signup. Generate, print and download as many word search grids as you like.
How does the hidden word work?+
Enter a word or phrase in the "hidden word" field. The list words are placed in the grid, then every remaining cell is filled with the letters of your hidden word, in reading order. Once all words are crossed out, the leftover letters reveal the hidden word. The answer key shows it clearly.
Can I print my word search as a PDF?+
Yes. Click "PDF (grid + answer key)" to download a print-ready A4 PDF, with the grid and word list on one page and the answer key on the other. The "Print" button also allows direct printing from the browser.
Can I use my own words?+
Of course. Choose the "My list" source and enter one word per line (for example the guests' names at a birthday). You can also add a custom title at the top of the grid.
Can the AI create the word list?+
Yes. With the "AI theme" source, enter a theme (dinosaurs, the sea, the farm…) and the AI generates a list of kid-friendly words, ready to be hidden in the grid.
What's the difference with crosswords?+
In a word search, you find words already written in a letter grid. In a crossword, you guess the words from clues and write them into crossing cells. Both are available in this generator.