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Free Birthday Word Search Maker

Make a custom word search for your party in a minute. This free word search generator hides your own words in a grid for kids to find. Choose a difficulty and grid size, then print it or save it as a PDF, answer key included. No sign-up needed.

Step 1: Customise the heading

Step 2: Add your words

One word or short phrase per line. Spaces and punctuation are left out of the grid.

Suggested words

Tap a list to swap it into the box, then change anything you like.

Step 3: Set the difficulty
Difficulty
Grid size

Step 4: Choose your theme
Theme

Step 5: Printing options

One for each guest. The answer key prints just once, after the puzzles.

Prints on A4. Choose "Save as PDF" in the print window to keep a copy.

Tips for a great party word search

How can I use a word search at a party?

They're perfect as a quiet activity while guests arrive, at the table while food is being served, or popped into party bags. Make it a race with a small prize for the first one finished.

Can I give each child a different puzzle?

Yes. Click "Shuffle the grid" between prints for a new grid with the same words, so kids sitting together can't copy each other.

How do I save ink and paper?

Choose the Plain theme in Black. Set Copies of the puzzle to the number of guests, so you print exactly what you need with just one answer key at the end, or untick the answer key if you don't need it. Tick Print 2 per page to fit two half-size puzzles on each sheet. The puzzles also print well in black and white.

Can I make one on my phone?

Yes. It works on phones and tablets. Tap "Print or save as PDF", then print or save the file from your device.

Is anything I type saved or sent anywhere?

No. Everything happens in your browser. Your last puzzle is remembered on this device only, so it's still there if you come back.

Can I use it in the classroom?

Yes. Teachers are welcome to make and print word searches for their own class. If other teachers would like one, send them a link to the maker so they can make their own.

Can I share or sell the puzzles I make?

You can't sell them, including custom puzzles you've made with the maker. They're free to use at home, at your party or in your classroom. If a friend would like one, send them a link to the maker instead.

Which difficulty should I choose?

Easy runs words only across and down, a good place to start. Medium adds diagonal words. Hard lets words run backwards and uses trickier filler letters for a real challenge. Every child is different, so pick whichever suits your guests, and if you're unsure, print an Easy and a Hard version.