Best Tools
Best Tools to Create Crossword Puzzles
The fastest way to make a crossword is to use a dedicated crossword maker or generator — not to build one manually. Here is how the main options compare.
Tool Reviews
Crossword Labs is one of the most widely used free crossword generators online. You enter a list of words and clues, it builds the grid automatically, and you can print or share a link to the finished puzzle. No account required for basic use.
Pros
- Completely free for basic use
- No sign-up needed to create a puzzle
- Printable and shareable via link
- Fast — puzzle ready in seconds
Cons
- Limited layout customisation
- PDF export is a paid feature
- Grid style looks basic
See how to use a crossword generator →
A straightforward, no-frills crossword generator built for classroom use. You enter your words and clues, select a puzzle type, and get a printable worksheet in a few clicks. It also makes word searches, fallen phrases, and other puzzle types from the same interface.
Pros
- Free with no account
- Multiple puzzle types in one tool
- Dead simple interface — zero learning curve
- Print-ready output
Cons
- Very limited visual customisation
- No digital sharing option
- Dated interface
See the step-by-step crossword guide →
Canva is not a crossword generator — it does not auto-build grids — but it is the best tool for making your puzzles look polished. Once you have a grid from a generator, you can drop it into a Canva crossword template, add your clues, customise fonts and colours, and export a print-ready PDF. Essential if you are building an activity book to sell.
Pros
- Professional-looking output
- Large library of puzzle and activity book templates
- Easy print-ready PDF export
- Free plan covers most use cases
Cons
- Does not auto-generate crossword grids
- Requires manual grid entry
- Some templates are Pro-only
How to format an activity book in Canva →
Puzzle Maker Pro is a paid crossword maker designed specifically for people building puzzle books to sell. It generates crosswords, word searches, and other puzzle types at volume, and outputs formatted PDFs sized for KDP publishing. If you are creating content to sell on Amazon, this is the most purpose-built option.
Pros
- KDP-sized PDF output
- Bulk puzzle generation
- Multiple puzzle types
- Clean, consistent visual output
Cons
- Paid tool — subscription required
- Steeper learning curve than free options
- More than most users need for one-off puzzles
Guide to building a puzzle book to sell →
If you want a finished activity book layout without building it from scratch, Etsy sellers offer editable crossword and activity book templates as Canva or PowerPoint files. Buy once, customise the puzzles, and you have a print-ready book. Good for people who want a polished result fast without designing the layout themselves.
Pros
- Designed layouts ready to fill in
- One-time purchase, reusable
- No design skills required
- Range of styles and sizes available
Cons
- Quality varies between sellers
- Not free — costs $5–$25 typically
- Less flexibility than building your own
How to use templates for activity books →
KDP Research & Publishing Tools
If you plan to sell puzzle books on Amazon KDP, these tools help you find profitable niches and low-competition categories before you invest time building a book.
KDSpy is a browser extension for Amazon KDP research. It shows real estimated sales data, revenue, and review counts for any KDP category — so you can see whether a niche is worth entering before you invest time building a book. Particularly useful for spotting low-competition categories where a new crossword or activity book can rank without a large marketing budget.
Pros
- One-time payment — no ongoing subscription
- Shows real KDP sales estimates per category
- Find low-competition niches fast
- Works directly inside your Amazon browser tab
Cons
- $97 upfront cost
- Browser extension only (Chrome/Edge)
- Research only — no content creation tools
Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Try KDSpy ($97 one-time) →
Book Bolt combines niche research, keyword tools, puzzle generators (crosswords, word searches, sudoku), and a KDP interior designer in a single subscription. If you want research and content creation under one roof, Book Bolt covers the full pipeline from idea validation to finished interior PDF — without bouncing between separate tools.
Pros
- Research and design tools in one subscription
- Built-in puzzle generators for multiple puzzle types
- KDP interior designer included
- Niche explorer for finding profitable ideas
Cons
- Ongoing subscription (monthly or annual)
- More to learn than single-purpose tools
- Puzzle output less polished than Puzzle Maker Pro
Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Try Book Bolt →