Make a Crossword Puzzle

Make a Crossword Puzzle

Make a Crossword Puzzle : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

Crosswords are fun and simple to create. All you need to create a crossword puzzle is a spreadsheet and your imagination.

A crossword is basically a list of clues that correspond to boxes on a grid. Each box in the grid is equivalent to one letter of a word. By solving a clue and finding the correct word, you fill the word into the corresponding boxes on the grid. The trick to crosswords is that words cross. Words can be constructed both vertically and horizontally, since the puzzle is set up like a spreadsheet. This means two words will intersect and must share the exact same letter at that location.

Upon completing a crossword puzzle, you should be able to verify the correct answers by making sure all words fit in the appropriate grid and properly share the same letters at intersections.

1. Making a crossword is fun and simple. First, begin with a spreadsheet and determine the size of your crossword puzzle (it must fit within the spreadsheet). Next, determine the number of clues you want to create. All the clues must also fit on your spreadsheet.
2. Create your list of words and clues. Each clue must be short but lend itself to the word the solver is trying to decipher. This can be done in two ways: for example, using a two-part phrase or a popular sentence followed by a blank (Movie &&) would indicate the word is likely theater. Or, "a place to see movies" may be your clue, and likewise the answer could be theater.
3. Once you have all your clues figured out, place all the answers creatively on your spreadsheet. Look for ways to place words horizontally and vertically so each word intersects with at least one other word.
4. Label each starting letter of an answer with a number on your spreadsheet, and put the appropriate number beside the clue. Separate your clues into vertical and horizontal columns, and sort them in order. This will make them easier for someone to follow and solve.
5. The final step is to shade in all boxes of your spreadsheet that will not be occupied by a letter. Then, go back and erase all of the letters in the spreadsheet, if you have written them in. Print out your master copy. This will create your empty puzzle for someone to fill out. All that should be left is the empty puzzle with the appropriate areas shaded in and the numbers indicating where the beginning letter of each clue word is placed. Also make sure to print off your list of clues. Finally, give it to a friend to enjoy!
6. Another great and easy way to create a crossword puzzle is online. Handy online helpers require you to enter the words and clues, then build your crossword automatically. These are great and can be real time-savers. Try this online crossword builder to get started!