CROSSWORDS: Sources: Applications

Summary | Selected Apps | References; Misc. Apps


AL 45Summary

  • "Today I learned that 'Across Lite' is actually...
  • solve appDesktop and mobile applications (some free):
  • optimize crossword size/layout (usually) for different size displays:
    phone, tablet, desktop
  • provide a consistent, often customizable, user interface
    -- along with other features.
  • crosswords1open crossword files -- usually .puz
  • download .puz files within app or via browser; play offline
  • see Sources:Web Sites on how to download (and/or Airdrop) and open .puz files
  • If you don't want to install an app, there are several browser-based solvers
    where you can upload a .puz / .jpz file, e.g., Crosshare, Crossword Nexus,
    Cruciverbalizer, Exolve -- from Constructing Crosswords: Solving Applets
  • Selected applications for solving crosswords are listed below
    (apps for Authoring will be covered later)
    .
  • This list is incomplete and likely out-of-date -- additions, corrections welcome.
  • A few apps access only a single puzzle source, e.g., Guardian, NYT, Penny Dell,
    Telegraph, USA Today
  • To avoid malware, install software only from your device's "app store" or reputable developers
    [on right (above,below): Crosswords from Stand Alone Software in iOS App Store]
  • The focus here is primarily on three, well-maintained, cross-platform applications:
  • Across Lite from: Literate Software (aka LitSoft); free
  • Crosswords from: Stand Alone; $
  • Crossword from: NYT app: free; puzzles: $
  • Gallery: Across Lite; Black Ink; Crosswords; CrozzWord; Puzzazz; XWord:
    with OLLI example, from Constructing Crosswords: Solving: Applications

Across Lite | Black Ink | Crosswords | CrozzWord | NYT Crossword |
Puzzazz | USA Today | XWord | xWord Buddy

  • app name: alphabetically by app name, with store/vendor link
  • check vendors and app stores for latest versions, features and requirements
  • platforms:
  • desktop/laptop: Mac (Macintosh); Win (Windows); Lnx (Linux)
  • phone/tablet: Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone
  • ebook-Reader: Kindle
  • cost: eval or free 'light' version available? NA: not available
  • AL 45formats: most used: .puz
  • newer: .jpz, .ipuz, .xpf, etc.; internal: unknown/proprietary
  • Refs: Formats
  • features: common: Check/Reveal, printing, etc.
  • image, gallery (slideshow)
  • read vendor FAQs; review articles

AL downloadAcross Lite (Literate Software)


blackink
from: redsweater.com

Black Ink (Red Sweater)


crosswords2Crosswords (Stand Alone Software)


mac crozzwordCrozzWord (CommuniCrossings)


nyt
from: nytimes.com

New York Times Crossword app


puzzazz
from: puzzazz.com

Puzzazz


usa
from: usatoday.com

USA Today


xword
from: wx-xword.sourceforge.net

XWord

  • platforms/cost: Win, Lnx, Mac: free
  • stable, but 'alpha'-level software; docs older?; Gallery: OLLI Example
  • formats: .jpz, .puz, .ipuz
  • download: NYT?, Newsday, LAT, USA Today, Jonesin' (Th), WSJ (Mo-Sa),
    Universal (Mo-Su & Su), BEQ (Mo, Th), WaPo (Su), New Yorker (Mo-Fr),
    Atlantic (Mo-Fr, Su), NY Magazine (Su) -- also customizable feeds [image below]
  • customCrossword Race video; using XWord;
    orig. Crossword Solver -- intended to replace AL?

buddy 320xWord Buddy


scraperMisc. Apps, Devices, References