Cross-Check
Learn how to use Cross-Check to validate word–clue pairs in your crossword and improve clue quality.
Cross-Check is available only on our Professional and Enterprise plans.
Whether your grid is small or large, it's easy for a typo to slip through, for a clue to drift away from the answer, or for a "See 5 Across" to point nowhere.
Cross-Check is an extra pass through your word–clue pairs. It helps you catch what might have slipped through before you publish. One click, and you get a second set of eyes on the whole puzzle.
When a clue is flagged, Cross-Check tells you why and gives you a clue suggestion—use it as is or edit it to fit. You get a clear list to work through so you can tidy things up before you publish.
Cross-Check is powered by AI. Read more about PuzzleMe AI here.
Where to find Cross-Check
Cross-Check appears in the right toolbar when you are on the Edit grid and clues page for a crossword.
Cross-Check works with multiple languages. Spelling and conventions follow the puzzle's language and locale.
Running Cross-Check
- Open your crossword in the grid editor and go to the Edit grid and clues page.
- Click the Cross-Check icon in the right toolbar.
- A pop-up appears where you can optionally enter instructions (e.g. tone, audience, or puzzle-specific context). This step is optional; you can skip it and run Cross-Check with default settings. By default Cross-Check follows the crossword creation best practices linked in the pop-up; if your puzzle uses different conventions, add them in the optional instructions. The language and locale used for spelling and conventions come from the puzzle’s creation metadata. Click Cross-Check to start.
- When processing finishes, a summary pop-up appears with the number of suggested changes. Close the pop-up to enter clue-editing mode and see the results in the clue list.
Processing can take 1–5 minutes depending on puzzle size. We're checking your crosses. Grab a cuppa?
Understanding results
The clue list now clearly shows which word–clue pairs need attention.
Incorrect and stylistic suggestions
Pairs that are incorrect or have stylistic issues (e.g. semantic errors, abbreviation tags, capitalization) are marked in orange. For each such clue you will see:
- The reason for the flag (e.g. semantic error, abbreviation, capitalization).
- A suggested clue shown below the clue text.
Cross-references
If clues reference other clues (e.g. “See 5 Across”) and those clues are linked in the editor, Cross-Check validates that the relationship is correct. If clues reference each other but are not linked, the clue is marked as incorrect and the reason will prompt you to link the clues using the link tool on the same page.
Editing and saving
Clicking a flagged clue or the reason/suggested-clue box opens the Edit clue modal. The reason and suggested clue are shown just below the clue field. The suggested clue text is not pre-filled; if you'd like to use it, copy it into the clue field yourself. Make your changes and save to update that clue.
When you're done, Save to keep your edits and exit Cross-Check, or Reset to discard changes and return the puzzle to its pre-Cross-Check state.
- Processing time: Cross-Check typically takes 1–5 minutes depending on size and complexity.
- Standard crosswords only: Cross-Check is designed for standard crosswords and does not support cryptic clues.
- Multiple languages: Cross-Check works with multiple languages; spelling and conventions follow the puzzle's language and locale.
- Errors may be missed: Cross-Check can miss some errors. Running it more than once may surface additional suggestions.
- Consistent style: For a specific tone or style, add instructions in the optional prompt when you run Cross-Check (e.g. audience, vocabulary level, or puzzle theme).
- AI disclaimer: Results are generated with AI assistance. Always review suggested changes before saving.