Constructing Crosswords: Tools

Applications | Web-based | Dictionaries (Cruciverb, XWordInfo, ...) |
Clue Databases (cluer) | Formats (intro) | References

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from: beekeeperlabs.com (CrossFire)

Applications

  • These are full apps, installed on a Mac, Windows or Linux computer.
  • CrossFire; Mac, Win, Lnx; $50 (one-time), free trial w/ limited functionality;
    Steve uses currently [2018-];
    Reference Docs; FAQ; Walkthrough [on right]
  • Crossword Compiler: Win; $49-$169 or subscription; updates extra;
    Steve used previously on Mac, but pricey/complex setup:
    it required Windows license + virtual machine, e.g., VirtualBox, Parallels;
    CrossOver Windows emulator, although simpler/less expensive,
    produced runtime errors (last checked: 3/2024)
  • Ingrid; Mac, Win, Lnx; free beta version avail
  • For other apps: Authoring: Apps: 'apps'

Web-based Apps

  • These apps run in most web browsers -- even on some mobile devices.
  • Since many of these sites are free, they're a good way to get started.
  • Some sites provide publishing/distribution capability so that others can solve your puzzles,
    and perhaps a social media feature for commenting on and discussing puzzles.
  • Examples: Crosserville, Crosshare, PuzzleMe
  • For more: Authoring: Apps: 'web'
  • Free-form puzzle sites, e.g., Armored Penguin -- covered earlier

ex crucAdd-on Dictionaries

  • Some constructors create & maintain their own lists
    of entries (words and phrases).
  • Dictionaries overlap and vary widely in comprehensiveness and number of entries.
    Some add phrases; some omit obscure or offensive words, one-off theme entries.
  • Entry scores suggest which entries to prioritize/prefer during fill,
    e.g., lively/interesting (50-60), obscure/crosswordese (5-25).
  • These scores are subjective (with different scales), often customizable;
    e.g., scoring guides: Chen: XWordInfo; Bosivert: Collaborative Word List Project; Jones; Broda
  • A built-in dictionary can provide some default entries,
    e.g., CrossFire's default.dict: ~183K entries, scored: 5-50
  • Some constructors subscribe ($) to frequently updated, scored dictionaries/word lists,
    possibly for different languages, e.g., Crossword Compiler: WordWeb Pro, add-on lists;
    or entries from past/current crosswords -- next subsections: Cruciverb, XWord Info;
    other word lists below are free unless otherwise noted

Cruciverb | Xword Info | spread the word(list) | Collaborative | Misc.

merge dictCruciverb

  • Cruciverb Word Lists; all.txt, nyt.txt; unscored; $39/year ('Gold');
    entries: all: ~165K {1/2023}, NYT-only: ~106K; [img above]
    to eliminate unusable or less-than-ideal entries that have occurred only 1-2 times,
    several subsets are available: all3, nyt3 (≥ 3 times), all5, nyt5 (≥ 5 times)
  • CrossFire: create a .dict file (with default scores); [img right]
    Dictionary > Merge Dictionaries, e.g., all.txt
    -- add own word scores or use CrossFire's db?

xwiXWord Info

spread the word(list)

  • spread the word(list): .dict, .txt; scored [0-60]; entries: ~297K {10/2023}
    Brooke Husic and Enrique Henestroza Anguiano; updated quarterly

Collaborative Word List Project

Misc.

cluerAdd-on clue database

  • Find a clue quickly for a entry, esp. in a puzzle you won't be publishing,
    or avoid overly used published clues and craft new ones.
  • Find out if some of your theme entries already exist in other puzzles --
    entries with same date and publication?
  • Alternatively, manually lookup entries/clues on web sites, e.g., CrosswordTracker.com
  • For offline use: Matt Ginsberg's Cluer Database App: {v3.1.5; 5/9/2023*}
    Mac, Win, Lnx; free [above right]; *no longer updated; see xd.saul.pw?
  • Mac: ctrl-click app to Open
    since it's a 3rd party app, not downloaded from App Store
  • cluercluer can also be integrated with/accessed from a construction app, e.g.,
  • CrossFire (FAQ): Clue database file: /Applications/cluer.app/Contents/Resources/cluedata [right];
    Mac: CrossFire > Preferences > General
    Win, Lnx: Edit > Configuration > General
  • Saul Pwanson’s database:
    xd.saul.pw updated regularly vs. cluer (8/2021); xd-clues.zip

fiendcvPuzzle Formats

  • for print: .pdf; other options: .jpg, .png, .gif, ...
    [on right: Cruciverb, Crossword Fiend: .pdf, .puz, web]
  • for solving and constructing apps:
    most common: .puz (Across Lite);
    other options: .txt (AL), .jpz, .ipuz
  • for web (browser-based solver applets): .js (JavaScript);
    other options: .puz, .jpz -- or proprietary
  • next section: Formats

References