Word Search
- Learn how to create word search puzzles using PuzzleMe
- Explore design options for Word Search
- Understand what makes the game fun for solvers
What is a Word Search puzzle?
Word Search is a classic puzzle where players find words hidden in a grid of letters. Words can be hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forwards, or backwards. It's a great way for solvers to exercise observation and pattern recognition skills.
When creating Word Search puzzles, PuzzleMe enables you to go beyond traditional Word Search in a number of ways. You can add multimedia clues like images, audio, and video to make puzzles more engaging.
You can also use PuzzleMe AI to generate word searches closely linked to subject matter you think would be of interest. For example, a local news site could quickly generate puzzles using the street names, geographic and historic features of their area. A science publication could generate puzzles using terms related to topics in its articles. A local nursery could generate word searches based on the plants native to its region.
How it works
Players typically see a grid of letters and a list of words to find in the grid.
To find a word, players click the first letter and drag to the last letter. When found correctly, the word is highlighted in the grid and marked off the clue list.
The navigation bar shows how many words have been found, the time elapsed, and the current score. Players can also use hints if they get stuck.
Only words found without hints count toward the final score.
Types of clues
Traditional word search puzzles simply list the words to find. PuzzleMe offers two clue types: Text and Multimedia.
Text clues
Word lists (default): The simplest approach is to show the exact words players need to find.
Hints: Instead of showing the actual words, you may also provide clues like in a crossword puzzle. For example, instead of listing "Sacramento," you could clue it as "Capital of California."
Multimedia clues
You can add images, audio, or video to your clues. A thumbnail appears next to each clue - clicking it displays the image or plays the media. You can combine multimedia with text for even richer clues.
The PuzzleMe platform allows you to use your media in several places. Some examples of media usage include using a puzzle backdrop image, images or audio inside crossword or Word Search clues, images for a Picdoku game, and game completion sounds. If you are on the Professional or Enterprise Plans, you can upload your media files into PuzzleMe. If you are on the Personal Plan, you will have to host them on a public website and provide the URL to PuzzleMe.
A live example of a word search puzzle with multimedia (images, audio and video) is embedded below.
Hiding clues entirely
For maximum challenge, hide all clues. Players only know the theme (like "state capitals") and must find words without any word list or hints.
This works best with well-known categories that have a limited set of obvious answers. The score shows the total number of words and how many have been found, but players don't know what specific words to look for.
Why publish Word Search puzzles?
Word Search puzzles work well for:
- Reader engagement: Highlight everything from famous personalities to places to food to flowers and birds
- Brand reinforcement: Hide brand names, product features, or key messages in the grid. Add images or videos for stronger brand association.
- Training and onboarding: Help new employees learn department names, company values, or industry terminology in a fun way.
- Marketing campaigns: Create puzzles where finding certain words unlocks prizes, discounts, or special content.
- Education and awareness: Use image or audio clues to teach important concepts about health, safety, or other topics.
- Event promotion: Build excitement for conferences by hiding speaker names, session topics, or event highlights.