Print Joey

Word search maker

Create a printable word search puzzle from your own word list. Choose the grid size, allow or disable diagonal and backwards words, include a word bank and answer key, and download the result as an A4 or US Letter PDF.

Type your words, preview the puzzle instantly, then download the PDF — no account needed.

Word lists
Word searchHTSCJSZGDCZNHJJAGMGJWWZOJGBTDVHTMREQRGEQHRQOPCSJECUDOGVXRGONCZBZNCGSRSEFSNYUVCOWUTERHVDSNKFZJCOOEIEMKNDQMRMOEMQCKKYVOBRYPNUJOIBWJOZRNDTXNZMOPIPIHORSESHEEPDUCKCATCOWDOGCreated with Print Joey — printjoey.com
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Answer keyHTSCJSZGDCZNHJJAGMGJWWZOJGBTDVHTMREQRGEQHRQOPCSJECUDOGVXRGONCZBZNCGSRSEFSNYUVCOWUTERHVDSNKFZJCOOEIEMKNDQMRMOEMQCKKYVOBRYPNUJOIBWJOZRNDTXNZMOPIPIHORSESHEEPDUCKCATCOWDOGCreated with Print Joey — printjoey.com
Page 2 of 2 — answer key

How it works

  1. Type or paste your word list, one word per line.
  2. Pick the grid size and which directions words may run.
  3. Download the PDF with an optional word bank and answer key.

Using these worksheets in teaching

Word searches build word-shape recognition and give meaningful repeated exposure to topic vocabulary or spelling lists. For early readers, keep words forwards-only and horizontal or vertical; diagonal and backwards words suit confident readers. Asking students to write a sentence for each found word turns a filler activity into vocabulary practice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my own words?
Yes. Type up to 30 of your own words — spelling lists, topic vocabulary or names of things your class is studying — or start from a ready-made list.
How do I make the puzzle easier or harder?
Smaller grids with forwards-only words are easiest. Turning on diagonal and backwards words, or growing the grid, makes the search harder.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. The answer key page repeats the grid with the hidden words highlighted, so marking takes seconds.
Will the same settings always produce the same puzzle?
Every puzzle has a seed. The same words, settings and seed reproduce the identical grid, and regenerate gives you a fresh arrangement.
Which paper sizes are supported?
A4 and US Letter, in portrait orientation, with print-safe margins designed for black-and-white printing.

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Last reviewed: July 2026. Worksheet content is generated by deterministic algorithms and covered by automated correctness tests — no AI-generated answers.