Printing should be the easy part. If your word search keeps shrinking, clipping, or picking odd margins, use this checklist and you will get a clean worksheet on the first try.
If you want a ready-to-print download, start on the Printable Puzzles page. If you want a custom worksheet with your own vocabulary list, use the Puzzle Maker.
Start with the right download
PuzzleTide printables can be offered as PNG or PDF. Both can work; pick based on what you need.
- Pick PDF when you want crisp text and predictable sizing.
- Pick PNG when you want a quick image you can drop into a slide deck or doc.
If the puzzle offers an optional solution or answer key, download that version at the same time so you do not have to hunt for it later.
Set scale to 100 percent (and turn off fit to page)
Most "weird scaling" comes from a single setting: the print dialog tries to be helpful and resizes your page.
Look for a setting named:
- Scale
- Fit to page
- Shrink to printable area
- Fit to printable area
What you want in most cases:
- Scale: 100%
- Fit to page: off
If your printer cannot print edge-to-edge and the puzzle clips at the bottom or right side, do the opposite:
- Turn Fit to printable area on; or
- Drop scale slightly (for example, 97%).
Do a fast preview check before you hit Print: the whole grid and the title should be visible, with a small margin.
Turn off headers and footers
Browsers sometimes add a URL, page number, or date at the top or bottom. That pushes the puzzle down and can cause clipping.
In the print dialog, disable:
- Headers and footers
If you do not see this option, switch to a PDF download; PDFs tend to behave more predictably across devices.
Pick the right orientation
If your preview looks cramped, try switching orientation:
- Portrait usually works for standard worksheets.
- Landscape can help when the puzzle title is long or the grid is wide.
Do not guess. Use print preview and pick the orientation that keeps the grid readable without shrinking the letters.
Quick classroom checklist (60 seconds)
If you are printing for a class or group, do this once and you will save time.
- Print one copy first.
- Check letter size from arm's length; students should not squint.
- Check the bottom row and right edge; no clipping.
- Confirm the page does not include headers, footers, or a URL.
- If you need an answer key, confirm you printed or saved it too.
Common fixes
These are the fastest "try this first" fixes.
| problem you see | fix that usually works |
|---|---|
| The puzzle is tiny | Set scale to 100% and disable fit-to-page |
| The bottom row is cut off | Turn off headers/footers; or enable fit to printable area |
| The grid looks blurry | Use a PDF download if available; avoid screenshotting |
| The letters are too small | Try an easier puzzle or print in landscape; then confirm scale |
If you are still stuck, email support at support@puzzletide.com with a screenshot of your print preview. Include the device and browser.
If you want a stable copy to print later, save the printable as a PDF after you confirm the preview settings, then print from the saved file.
Where to find scale settings (quick map)
Print dialogs move around, but the setting names are consistent.
- Chrome / Edge: open More settings; look for Scale, Fit to page, and Headers and footers.
- Firefox: look for Scale and Margins; turn off headers and footers if they are enabled.
- Safari (macOS): open the browser print dialog, then use Show Details; look for Scale and disable headers and footers.
- Mobile: options are limited; PDFs tend to behave better than printing from a web page.
If you cannot find a scale setting, download a PDF if available and print that file directly.
FAQ
Is it free to print?
Yes. PuzzleTide puzzles are free to play and print. You can start from Printable Puzzles and download a worksheet without signing up.
Do printables include answers?
Some puzzles include an optional solution or answer key download. If you do not see one, print the puzzle and solve it first; then use the on-screen solve tools to verify.
Can I print from a phone or tablet?
Often, yes. Phone print dialogs vary a lot, so PDFs tend to be the most reliable option. If the preview keeps changing scale, try printing from a laptop or desktop.
Can I use these as classroom worksheets?
Yes. Teachers use PuzzleTide printables for warmups, centers, sub plans, and vocabulary review. If you need a custom word list that matches your unit, use the Puzzle Maker.
Next step
- Need a worksheet now? Browse Printable Puzzles.
- Need your own word list? Create one in the Puzzle Maker.
- Want more options? Use Search to find a theme fast.