Skip to main content

Clue Linking

Clue Linking for Crosswords​

Objectives
  • Learn about cross-reference crosswords
  • Explore how you can use the PuzzleMe platform's clue-linking feature to create cross-reference crosswords

Clue linking allows you to create cross-reference crosswords, a puzzle type where clues are interconnected. In these crosswords, some clues refer to other entries in the grid, adding an extra layer of complexity and engagement for solvers.

There are two types of clue links you can use:

  • One-way links: When a clue for entry A is one-way linked to entry B, selecting clue A will highlight entry B in the grid. However, selecting clue B will not highlight entry A.
  • Symmetric links: When clues for entry A and entry B are symmetrically linked, selecting either clue A or clue B will highlight both entries A and B in the grid.

PuzzleMe offers two methods for linking crossword clues: autolinking and manual linking. The options for managing clue links are available from the Link clues icon (a chain symbol) on the right side of the clue panel.

Autolinking​

Autolinking automatically links clues by parsing the clue text for references to other entries. This method requires you to explicitly mention the linked entry within the clue text using the format [Number][Orientation], where Number is the entry's number in the grid, and Orientation is either "Across" or "Down" (case-sensitive).

For example, in the clue text for 6 Across, you could include "See 5 Across" to link 6 Across to 5 Across.

Steps to use clue autolinking:

  1. Ensure your clue texts include explicit references for the clues that you wish to link together, using the format [Number][Orientation]. For example, "See 5 Across" or "Related to 2 Down". Ensure the orientation text is case-sensitive ("Across" or "Down").
  2. Click the Link clues icon (chain symbol) on the right side of the clue panel.
  3. From the menu that appears, select either Autolink clues (one way) for one-way links or Autolink clues (symmetrical) for symmetric links.
  4. A popup window will appear, displaying a list of clue groups that PuzzleMe has automatically detected based on the references in your clue texts.
  5. Review the autolinked clues. If the results are not as expected, unlink all clues and try again. If any links are missing, double-check your clue texts to ensure the references are correctly formatted. Click OK to confirm the links.

Manual Linking​

Manual linking allows you to create symmetric clue links without needing explicit references in the clue text. This method requires you to select clues directly to form linked groups.

Steps to use manual linking:

  1. Click the Link clues icon (chain symbol) on the right side of the clue panel.
  2. From the menu that appears, select Link clues manually (symmetrical).
  3. Instructions will appear at the top of the editor. Click on the clues you wish to link together. You must select at least two clues to form a group. Selected clues will be highlighted.
  4. Once you have selected all the clues for a group, click the Save button in the top right corner.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create more linked clue groups as needed.

Unlinking Clues​

Once clues are linked, either through autolinking or manual linking, you cannot directly edit the links. To modify or remove clue links, you must first unlink all existing links and then recreate them.

Steps to unlink all clues:

  1. Click the Link clues icon (chain symbol) on the right side of the clue panel.
  2. From the menu that appears, select Unlink all clues.
  3. A confirmation popup window will appear, stating that all clues have been unlinked. Click the OK button in the popup to close the window.