CROSSWORDS: Authoring: Applications

Summary | Selected Apps | Other Software/Lists

crossword compilerSummary

  • Many crossword construction applications / sites are available;
    Solving Apps discussed earlier
  • Apps vary by platform: Mac, Win, Lnx (Linux), browser ("web");
    web apps run in most major, modern browsers,
    e.g., Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Edge;
    mobile-friendly web apps ("webM") run in phone & tablet browsers
  • Apps vary by features, puzzle sizes/types, puzzle formats, support, cost
    -- some apps free, some offer demo versions / trial periods
  • Some web sites provide publishing/distribution capability so that others can solve your puzzles,
    and perhaps a social media feature for commenting and discussing puzzles.
  • Besides images below, Constructing Crosswords: Gallery: Constructing Apps features OLLI example for
    apps: CrossFire, Crossword Compiler, Crossword Maker for Cruciverbalists, Ingrid;
    browser: Crosserville, Crosshare, CrossHatch, Crossword Composer, Exet, Phil, PuzzleMe, SparklingFill;
    manual: Across Lite
  • Disclaimer: list below is incomplete, out-of-date; see also: Other Software/Older Lists
  • To avoid malware, install software only from your device's App Store or developer's official site.

app: CrossFire | Crossword Compiler | Crossword Construction Kit |
Crossword Weaver | Crossword Wizard Creator | Eclipse | Ingrid | Qxw

browser: Crosserville | Crosshare | CrossHatch | Crossword Composer |
Crossworthy | Exet | Phil | PuzzleMe | SparklingFill

manual: Across Lite | 'Office';
other: misc. software/lists

ALAcross Lite (AL)

Crosserville

crossfire
from: beekeeperlabs.com

CrossFire

  • platforms/cost: Win,Mac,Lnx: $50; Java included
  • formats: .puz, .jpz*, .pdf, NYT; *limited import, no export
  • FAQ; Docs; Walkthrough;
    (Steve uses); no free-form generation;
    Crossfire Tutorial
    How to set up a wordlist/dictionary; How to link a clue database
    How to lay out a grid and fill it; How to use the lookup tab and edit a wordlist
    Comparison with Crossword Compiler; 50:09; 10/17/2021    ;
    schoOL LIfe example

chCrosshare

ch
from: github.com/ben4808/crosshatch

CrossHatch

crossword compilerCrossword Compiler

compCrossword Composer

  • platforms/cost: web, webM: free -- still avail?
  • formats: .puz, .xpf
  • 15 x 15, 21 x 21;
    schoOL LIfe example
cck
from: crosswordkit.com

Crossword Construction Kit

  • platforms/cost: Win: $30
  • formats: ?
  • free-form only

Crossword Weaver

  • platforms/cost: Win: $40+; web: free
  • formats: .pdf, web
  • free-form and symmetric; last updated 2016?
cw
from: rushsoftware.com.au

Crossword Wizard Creator

  • platforms/cost: Win, Mac: $49-$159
  • formats: ?
  • free-form only?
eclipse
from: eclipsecrossword.com

Eclipse

  • platforms/cost: Win: free
  • formats: .doc, web
  • free-form only?
Crossworthy
Crossworthy site; from: PuzzleNation:
5 Questions for Crossword Constructing
Duo May Huang and Kevin Trickey! 3/11/2021

Crossworthy

exet
from: viresh-ratnakar.github.io/exet.html

Exet (exet.app)

  • platforms/cost: web: free; applet avail.
  • formats: .puz*, 'exolve'
  • docs, source; exolve.org
    *.puz export; indirect .puz import:
    Evolve-player:
    Choose: .puz, .ipuz: e.g., olli-ex.puz
    button (bottom of page): "Save Exolve-converted..."
    later: Exet: Open > Open Evolve File: Choose File (saved from Exolve Player)
ingrid
from: ingrid.cx

Ingrid

  • platforms/cost: Win, Mac, Lnx; open beta; free
  • formats: .puz, .jpz, .ipuz, .cfp
  • tutorial; source
excel
from: How to Make a Crossword in Excel Using Standard Functions

MS Office: Word, Excel; Google Docs, Sheets

phil
from: github.com/keiranking/Phil

Phil

puzzlemePuzzleMe (AmuseLabs)

qxw
from: quinapalus.com

Qxw

sparkling
from: sparklingfill.com

SparklingFill

Other Software / Older Lists