Build a crossword in ten minutes.

Sort by
Puzzle of the Day

FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY

by Patrick Jordan
Standard 15×15 Easy
4 solves avg 21:51 7 plays 57%

15×15 Standard Crossword

by Cheyenne Day
Standard 15×15 Easy
0 solves

Rx and Riddles: The Medico-Lingual Cryptic Crossword

by minnoli
Freestyle 23×16 Easy
1 solve avg 1:06 2 plays 50%

Grand Openings

by Caitlin Reid
Standard 15×15 Easy
0 solves

The Crossword: Monday, August 21, 2023

by Natan Last
Standard 15×15 Easy
0 solves

Wed Jun 26: HOW DO YOU RATE

by Jay Sullivan
Standard 15×15 Easy
0 solves

3/24/26 UNBUMPY

by Guilherme Gilioli
Standard 15×15 Easy
2 solves avg 44:37 3 plays 67%

Chicago Times, Wednesday, December 18, 1996

by Zhouqin Burnikel
Standard 15×15 Easy
0 solves
PUZZLE TYPE
WIDTH
HEIGHT
GRID TEMPLATE (optional)

No sign-in needed for your first puzzle.

constructors
84

A toolkit built by puzzle people, for puzzle people

Everything you need to take a puzzle from idea to inbox — and everything a solver needs to keep coming back.

Symmetry on autopilot

Click to drop a block, type to fill a letter. Rotational symmetry mirrors your blocks automatically so the grid always looks the part.

Pick up where you left off

Solve any puzzle in the catalog and your progress saves automatically — across devices, between tabs, no logins lost.

Bring your own .ipuz

Already constructing? Import .ipuz files from your favorite tool and keep working. Export anytime — your puzzles stay yours.

Never stare at a blank clue again

See how other constructors clued the same answer. The clue library turns the community's collective wit into your inspiration.

Squares, diamonds, anything

Go beyond the classic 15x15. Build minis, themelesses, diamonds, irregular shapes — with full void-cell support for the wild ideas.

One-click publish

When the grid is solid and the clues sing, ship it. Your puzzle goes live for solvers around the world to find and finish.

Free reference tools — no account needed

Two open libraries for constructors and solvers alike. Search them anytime, sign-in optional.

How it works

1

Design your grid

Pick a size, place blocks, and fill in answers with the visual editor. Symmetry happens automatically.

2

Write your clues

Sharpen each clue. Browse the community library when you need a spark of inspiration.

3

Publish & solve

Hit publish and your puzzle is live. Then unwind with crosswords from constructors around the world.

Questions, answered

Do I need crossword construction experience?

No. The visual editor handles symmetry, numbering, and the boring bookkeeping. If you can spell, you can build a mini in an afternoon.

Is it really free?

Yes. Building, publishing, and solving are free with no credit card required. An optional Pro plan adds AI-assisted grid filling and clue suggestions for constructors who want a head start.

Can I import puzzles I’ve already built elsewhere?

Yes. Import standard .ipuz files from any tool that exports them and keep working. Export back out anytime.

What grid sizes and shapes are supported?

Anything from 4x4 minis up through Sunday-sized 21x21 grids. Diamonds, asymmetric layouts, and void cells are all first-class citizens.

How is this different from solving on the NYT?

Crossword Builder is a place to build as well as solve, with puzzles from independent constructors you won’t find on big-paper sites. Think of it as the indie venue for crossword craft.

Build your first puzzle in under 10 minutes

Join Crossword Builder and start crafting or solving today.