Archive · Puzzle Generator 1.x

Create Your Own Crossword Puzzle in 10 Steps

This tutorial explains how to create a custom crossword puzzle using the older version of Puzzle Generator (version 1.x). You can define your own questions and answers, include a solution phrase, customize the design, add images, and finally print or export the puzzle.

Archive notice: This tutorial refers to Puzzle Generator version 1.x and is kept for documentation purposes only. The current version of the software features a modernized interface and additional functionality.

Tutorial

The following step-by-step guide shows how to create your own crossword puzzle with Puzzle Generator in just a few steps.

Step 1: Select the puzzle type and create a new puzzle

After downloading and installing the program, start Puzzle Generator from the Windows Start menu.
Select “File → New Puzzle” or click the toolbar button to create a new project.
A dialog window will open where you can select the puzzle type “Crossword Puzzle”. A new empty crossword grid will then be created.

Step 2: Enter your words and clues

Under “1. Define Words”, enter the words you want to include in the crossword puzzle.
In the adjacent column you can enter the corresponding clues or questions.
Later you can decide whether the clues appear directly inside the puzzle or as numbered references.
Tip: Add as many words as possible, including shorter ones. This usually results in a more balanced puzzle layout.

Step 3: Optional – Import words from Excel

If you already maintain word lists in Microsoft Excel or a text editor, you can import them directly into Puzzle Generator.

The file should contain two columns: words in the first column and clues in the second.
Save the file as CSV (comma-separated values).
If using a text editor, separate the two columns with a semicolon ;.
You can download an example file here: Example file.

In Puzzle Generator, go to “1. Define Words”.
Click “Load from file” and select your CSV file.
The words will automatically be added to your list.

Step 4: Define puzzle size and options

Switch to the tab “2. Generate”.
Set the desired puzzle size, for example 16 × 16 cells.
You can choose whether isolated words should be removed automatically.
You can also specify whether words may touch directly or must be separated by an empty cell.

Step 5: Optional – Add images

You can add your own photos or colored boxes to give the puzzle a personal or visual touch.

In the tab “2. Generate”, click the plus button .
Define the position, width, and height of the image or box.
Use the “…” button to select the image file.

Step 6: Generate the crossword puzzle

Click “Generate new crossword puzzle” in the “2. Generate” tab.

After the calculation, a preview of the puzzle appears on the right.
The lower section shows statistics such as the number of words used.
Tip: By right-clicking you can export lists of used or unused words.

Step 7: Add a solution phrase

Open the tab “3. Customize”.
Enable the option “Solution Text” and enter your own phrase.
Use “Update Solution Text” to generate alternative letter placements.
The solution can be a single word or a full sentence.

Step 8: Customize colors and layout

In the “3. Customize” tab you can change fonts, colors, and layout settings.
You can adjust grid size, cell design, and background appearance.
Experiment with the available options to create your preferred design.

Step 9: Save and print the puzzle

Save your project using “File → Save” or the toolbar button .
You can reopen the saved file later and continue editing.
To print the puzzle select “File → Print” or click the button .

Step 10: Export as image or Word document

You can export the finished crossword puzzle to different formats:

Use “Export” to save image files such as JPG, PNG, or BMP.
Use “Tools → Save Word Document” or the toolbar button to create a .DOCX file that can be edited in Microsoft Word.