A Digression | Tools | Example
A Digression
- Free-form --aka vocabulary or criss-cross -- word puzzles are an easy way to get started.
- Compared to creating a symmetric, newspaper-style crossword, the free-form process is much simpler:
- Theme: just a list of words; no need for consistency, cleverness or matching lengths
- Grid: words laid out automatically; symmetry, size and unchecked squares are not an issue.
- Fill: no extraneous words needed -- only your list is included.
- Clues: the same process, but you can make clues personalized.
- Publish: usually for self, family or friends rather than formal publication.
Tools
- Some apps can create free-form puzzles -- see Authoring: Applications
- e.g., Crossword Compiler app example [image: right]
- You can disable 'normal' rules in some apps, e.g.,
Crossfire: Grid > Preserve symmetry, Grid > Report Unchecked Squares - Many browser-based sites, often education-oriented, are free or low cost.
- General process/features:
- Adjust options for size, background; add a title and author.
- Enter a list of words and clues into a form or import a text file -- answer|clue delimiter may vary
- Automatically generate a skeleton-like arrangement of your words.
Review, revise word list and/or settings- Export resulting free-form puzzle and solution as .pdf, .jpg, .png.
- Optional: copy/rearrange/reformat grid, clues and/or solution in a document editor; add pictures.
- Print / publish!
- 3 free sites:
- 1. simplest: Discovery Education: PuzzleMaker paste from edited demo.txt
- 2. format options: Crossword Publisher [image: right]; no import
- 3. more options: Armored Penguin [image ('Crosspassword'): top right; example below]
- For other free-form puzzle sites to explore: Authoring: Web
- PuzzleMe: AI Crossword Generation: crisscross entries & clues based on a topic
- other AI tools/discussion
Example: Armored Penguin
- Add a Title, Author; many options: square size; bkgd: gray; min groups: 1; etc.
- Enter answers and clues manually --
- Or, edit/save a local text file; each line contains answer:clue
Text file name: Choose File(download demo file);Load Puzzle Make Puzzle- Revise words, clues, appearance, etc.?
- Printable PDF (example .pdf; image: right), Answer Key, Online, etc.