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  • Disclaimer: list below is incomplete, out-of-date; see also: Other Software/Older Lists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    ;
    schoOLLIfe example

chCrosshare

ch
from: github.com/ben4808/crosshatch

CrossHatch

crossword compilerCrossword Compiler

compCrossword Composer

  • platforms/cost: web, webM: free
  • formats: .puz, .xpf
  • 15 x 15, 21 x 21;
    schoOLLIfe example
cck
from: crosswordkit.com

Crossword Construction Kit

  • platforms/cost: Win: $30
  • formats: ?
  • free-form only
cw
from: crosswordweaver.com

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
  • "Ingrid's mechanics feel somewhat familiar to users experienced with Crossfire,
    but is lighter, faster, and cleaner, and supports grid features such as diagonal
    symmetry and barred grids. Some of us on the DCL team have been using it
    for a while, and we cannot recommend it enough. Closed beta users share
    some of their favorite features: versioning functionality, the ability to reject
    words for specific slots in a grid, the sortable panel for reviewing all entries,
    the cluing progress meter, and the ability to work on multiple puzzles at a time."
  • 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