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Crossword puzzles have been a popular pastime activity for decades. They not only provide a source of entertainment, but they also serve to stimulate the brain, improve memory and cognitive function, and improve vocabulary and language skills. With the advent of technology, creating crossword puzzles has become much easier than ever before. Crossword puzzle makers are software applications that allow the user to create puzzles without the need for pen and paper. In this article, we will introduce and review the best 8 crossword puzzle makers for Windows.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Crossword Puzzle Maker?
A crossword puzzle maker is a software application that allows the user to create crossword puzzles. It provides various tools and features that can be used to design custom puzzles, including adding clues, inserting solutions, and selecting the size and layout of the puzzle grid. It requires no programming or design skills, making it accessible to anyone who wants to create a crossword puzzle.
Top 8 Crossword Puzzle Makers for Windows
1. Crossword Compiler
Crossword Compiler is a popular software application for creating puzzles. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools and features for easily designing custom puzzles. It includes a built-in dictionary with over 280,000 words for generating clues, and it also supports importing word lists from text files. Crossword Compiler offers a free trial version, and its full version costs $49.95.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Built-in dictionary with a large word bank
- Supports importing word lists
Cons:
- Expensive full version
- No automatic crossword generation
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
2. EclipseCrossword
EclipseCrossword is a free, open-source crossword puzzle maker that is easy to use and beginner-friendly. It offers a simple interface and basic tools and features for designing puzzles. It provides a variety of options for customizing puzzles, including the grid size, puzzle color, and font type. EclipseCrossword is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create a simple puzzle without spending money.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Easy to use
- Customizable puzzle options
Cons:
- Limited feature set
- No built-in dictionary or word bank
- No automatic crossword generation
3. Puzzle Maker Pro
Puzzle Maker Pro is a professional-grade crossword puzzle maker that offers advanced features and customizations for creating high-quality puzzles. It includes a built-in dictionary with over 100,000 words for generating clues and supports importing word lists. Puzzle Maker Pro offers automatic puzzle generation and is ideal for anyone who wants to create complex puzzles quickly and efficiently. Its full version costs $59.95, and it also offers a free trial version.
Pros:
- Advanced features and customization options
- Built-in dictionary with a large word bank
- Automatic puzzle generation
Cons:
- Expensive full version
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- No online publishing options
4. Crossword Maestro
Crossword Maestro is a powerful crossword puzzle maker that offers advanced features and high-quality design options. It includes a built-in dictionary with over 300,000 words for generating clues and supports importing word lists. It offers support for multiple grid sizes and includes a variety of customization options for designing high-quality puzzles. Crossword Maestro costs $49.95, and it also offers a free trial version.
Pros:
- Advanced features and customization options
- Built-in dictionary with a large word bank
- Supports importing word lists
Cons:
- Expensive full version
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- No automatic crossword generation
5. Hot Potatoes
Hot Potatoes is a popular suite of interactive exercises and quizzes, including a crossword puzzle maker. It offers an easy-to-use interface and basic tools and features for creating simple puzzles. Hot Potatoes supports exporting puzzles in a variety of formats, including HTML, which makes it easy to upload and publish online. Hot Potatoes is a free program designed for non-commercial use.
Pros:
- Free program
- Easy to use
- Supports exporting puzzles in various formats
Cons:
- Limited feature set
- No built-in dictionary or word bank
- No automatic crossword generation
6. Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker
Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker is an online crossword puzzle maker that offers a variety of customization options for designing puzzles. It includes a built-in dictionary with over 40,000 words for generating clues and supports importing word lists. Puzzlemaker is free to use and provides various options for publishing and sharing puzzles online.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Built-in dictionary with a large word bank
- Online publishing options
Cons:
- Limited feature set
- No automatic crossword generation
- Requires an internet connection
7. Super Crossword Creator
Super Crossword Creator is a user-friendly application designed to create crossword puzzles. It offers advanced features and customizations for generating high-quality puzzles. It includes a large database of words with different difficulty levels, and words can be added manually. Super Crossword Creator’s full version costs $34.95, and it offers a free trial version.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced features and customizations
- Large word database
Cons:
- Expensive full version
- No automatic crossword generation
- Limited customization options
8. The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker
The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker is an online crossword maker designed specifically for teachers. It offers a variety of tools and features for generating puzzles, including a built-in dictionary with over 100,000 words for generating clues. It supports exporting puzzles in various formats, including PDF and HTML, and also offers online publishing options. The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker is free to use.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Designed specifically for teachers
- Built-in dictionary with a large word bank
Cons:
- Limited feature set
- No automatic crossword generation
- Online-only functionality
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial Available | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossword Compiler | Yes | $49.95 | Intermediate | Good |
| EclipseCrossword | N/A | Free | Beginner | Great |
| Puzzle Maker Pro | Yes | $59.95 | Intermediate | Good |
| Crossword Maestro | Yes | $49.95 | Intermediate | Good |
| Hot Potatoes | N/A | Free | Beginner | Great |
| Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker | N/A | Free | Beginner | Great |
| Super Crossword Creator | Yes | $34.95 | Intermediate | Fair |
| The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker | N/A | Free | Beginner | Great |
Our Thoughts on Crossword Puzzle Makers
Crossword puzzle makers are great tools for designing puzzles that can provide hours of entertainment for people of all ages. Each software application provides various features and tools for generating custom puzzles with ease. For beginners or those on a tight budget, we suggest using EclipseCrossword or Hot Potatoes. These programs offer free use and easy-to-use interfaces with basic tool sets.
For intermediate or advanced users, we recommend Crossword Compiler, Puzzle Maker Pro, Crossword Maestro, and Super Crossword Creator. These applications offer a more advanced set of features for creating puzzles with additional customization options and larger built-in dictionaries for generating clues. These programs, however, require a higher level of technical familiarity.
Lastly, Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker and The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker are great online tools for teachers who want to create simple puzzles quickly to use in their classroom. These online platforms mostly offer basic tool sets and several customization options.
FAQ’s
Q1: Does each crossword puzzle maker offer a free trial version?
A: No, not all programs offer free trial versions. EclipseCrossword, Hot Potatoes, Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker, and The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker are all free to use, while Crossword Compiler, Puzzle Maker Pro, Crossword Maestro, and Super Crossword Creator offer free trial versions.
Q2: Which software offers the largest built-in dictionary of words?
A: Crossword Maestro offers the largest built-in dictionary with over 300,000 words, followed by Crossword Compiler with over 280,000 words and Puzzle Maker Pro with over 100,000 words.
Q3: Are there any online platforms available for creating crossword puzzles?
A: Yes, Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker and The Teacher’s Corner Crossword Maker are both online platforms designed to create simple crossword puzzles quickly.
Q4: Are there any programs that offer automatic puzzle generation?
A: Yes, both Puzzle Maker Pro and Crossword Maestro offer automatic puzzle generation, which can save a lot of time and effort when creating puzzles.
Q5: Can I export my puzzles to various formats?
A: Yes, each program provides different exporting options. Most programs offer HTML, PDF, and image formats like PNG and JPEG.
Final Thoughts
With the available technologies and software applications, creating crossword puzzles has become much easier than ever before. Crossword puzzle makers simplify the process by providing innovative features and tools. In conclusion, choose the right program that fits your needs adequately; whether you are a beginner or advanced user with more challenging demands. In any case, you can develop a unique and challenging crossword puzzle that can keep your audience engaged and entertained for hours.