If your custom word search fails to generate, the word list is almost always the reason. This guide helps you pick a word count that fits, then tune the list so the puzzle feels fair.
Start here: open the Puzzle Maker and paste a comma-separated word list.
A fast starting point for word count
There is no single perfect number. Grid size, word length, and allowed directions all change what "fits." Use this as a starting point, then adjust.
- Easy: 8 to 12 words; shorter words; common vocabulary
- Medium: 12 to 18 words; a mix of short and medium words
- Hard: 18 to 25 words; longer words; more overlap
If you are building for kids or language learners, fewer words with clearer vocabulary beats a crowded grid.
What makes a list hard to place
These patterns cause most "won't fit" errors:
- Too many long words in the same list
- Phrases with spaces (for example, "solar system")
- Near-duplicates (plural vs singular; "frog" and "frogs")
- Repeated words (even once) after trimming
- Punctuation and symbols that do not belong in a grid
If your list includes multi-word terms, convert them to a single grid-friendly word:
- "solar system" ->
SOLARSYSTEM - "ice cream" ->
ICECREAM
Paste format that works every time
PuzzleTide's maker expects a comma-separated list. Before you click generate, do a quick cleanup pass:
- One comma between words, no extra punctuation
- No empty entries (watch for trailing commas)
- Trim spaces around each word
Example input:
JAGUAR, TOUCAN, ANACONDA
That is fine; the maker trims spaces. What tends to break lists is messy punctuation and accidental duplicates.
Build a list that feels fair
Fair word searches are consistent. Pick one style and stick to it.
- Use all singular or all plural nouns; avoid mixing.
- Avoid near-matches like
POLARandPOLARBEARin the same puzzle. - Prefer one spelling; do not mix regional variants in one grid.
- Keep your theme tight so solvers know what they are looking for.
Example: a solid medium list (12 words)
Theme: "rainforest animals"
Copy and paste this into the Puzzle Maker:
JAGUAR,TOUCAN,ANACONDA,SLOTH,TAPIR,MONKEY,PARROT,IGUANA,ANTEATER,OKAPI,POISONFROG,ARMADILLO
Why it works:
- Clear theme
- Few long words
- No near-duplicates
Example: an edge-case list (and how to fix it)
Theme: "space science"
Problem list:
INTERPLANETARY,MICROGRAVITY,ASTROPHYSICS,SPACE-TIME,ORBITALMECHANICS,EXTRATERRESTRIAL
Fix it by trimming and normalizing:
- Remove punctuation:
SPACE-TIME->SPACETIME - Swap extreme-length terms for simpler equivalents:
INTERPLANETARY->PLANETSORBITALMECHANICS->ORBITS
- Mix in short anchor words so the generator has room to place long ones:
MOON,STAR,COMET,ROCKET
Revised list:
MICROGRAVITY,ASTROPHYSICS,SPACETIME,EXTRATERRESTRIAL,PLANETS,ORBITS,MOON,STAR,COMET,ROCKET
When the puzzle feels too easy
If solvers finish in under a minute and you want more challenge:
- Add 2 to 4 words.
- Add longer words, but do not make every word long.
- Pick words that overlap naturally (shared letters help grids feel denser).
If you want a harder puzzle without changing the word list, try selecting a harder difficulty in the maker and see how the layout changes.
You can also increase challenge on the puzzle page by allowing diagonal and reverse words in Game Settings. That keeps the vocabulary the same while changing how solvers search.
When the puzzle feels too hard
If students get stuck, reduce the load first:
- Remove 3 to 6 words.
- Replace niche vocabulary with words they have already seen.
- Save the hardest words for a second worksheet.
A practical starting point by age
If you need a baseline, start here and adjust based on how your group responds:
- Early elementary: 8 to 12 words; short words; no diagonals; no reverse.
- Upper elementary: 10 to 16 words; diagonals optional; reverse usually off.
- Middle school and up: 14 to 22 words; diagonals and reverse can be on for challenge.
If more than a third of the group stalls, reduce directions before you cut the theme. If everyone finishes early, increase the follow-up task first, then add 2 to 4 words.
FAQ
Do I need to format the list a certain way?
Yes. Separate words with commas. Spaces and punctuation can cause placement issues, so convert phrases into a single combined word.
Can I include proper nouns?
Yes, if your audience recognizes them. For classrooms, stick to terms that match your unit. Avoid brand names and copyrighted character names.
Why did my puzzle generate, but it feels messy?
Messy usually means the theme is loose or the list mixes styles (plural and singular, abbreviations and full words). Tighten the theme, then normalize the word forms.
What should I do after I generate it?
Play it once to confirm every word is present. If you plan to hand it out, print one copy from the puzzle page and verify the preview before you print the whole stack.
Next step
- Build your list and generate a custom puzzle in the Puzzle Maker.
- Need inspiration fast? Browse Printable Puzzles for themes and difficulty ideas.