Online Tool Store
Crossword Grid Maker
Design a crossword grid cell by cell: block or open squares, enter letters and clues, and get automatic across/down numbering. Runs entirely in your browser.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
In Blocks mode, click a cell to toggle it open or blocked. In Letters mode, click a cell to select it, then type - arrow keys move, Backspace clears.
Across
Down
How the crossword grid maker works
- Choose a grid size, then use Blocks mode to click cells and shape the puzzle's open and blocked squares.
- Switch to Letters mode to type answers directly into the grid, with automatic numbering as you go.
- Fill in the Across and Down clue boxes, click any entry to jump to it on the grid, then print or export.
FAQ
How do I build the grid structure?
Pick a grid size, switch to Blocks mode, and click cells to toggle them between open and blocked. With rotational symmetry on, blocking a cell automatically blocks its mirrored cell too, keeping the grid symmetric like a standard crossword.
How does the numbering work?
Numbers are assigned automatically using the standard crossword rule: any open cell that starts an Across or Down entry of two or more letters gets the next number, recalculated every time you change the block layout.
How do I enter letters and clues?
Switch to Letters mode, click a cell, and type - arrow keys move between cells and Backspace clears them. Each Across and Down entry gets its own clue box in the side panel where you can type the clue text directly.
Can I print or export the puzzle?
Yes - download the puzzle as JSON or plain text, download a PNG image of the grid, or use the Print button for a print-friendly layout with the controls hidden.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | Hand-drawing a grid | Professional puzzle software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Click-to-toggle grid editing | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free, no install | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic numbering | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
Great for teachers and hobbyists building a custom crossword grid by hand, without dedicated puzzle software.