🔤 Word Search Generator Ufumbuzi

🔤 What is Word Search Maker?

Word Search Maker is a free, privacy-first Progressive Web App (PWA) that allows you to easily build, play, export, and print custom word search puzzles directly in your web browser. Everything runs locally on your device with no required downloads, no user accounts, and zero ads.

🛠️ How to Create a Word Search

1. Choose Language: Select English or Español to switch the UI interface labels.
2. Enter a Theme: Type the title or topic of your puzzle (e.g., Planets, Animals, European Capitals, Coding).
3. Add Words: Type your words in the text box, one word per line. Words are automatically converted to uppercase.
4. Select Grid Size: Pick between 10x10 (quick/compact), 15x15 (standard), or 20x20 (large/challenging). Words cannot be longer than the selected grid width.
5. Click "Generate Word Search": The puzzle engine places your words randomly in 8 directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forward, and backward) and fills the remaining cells with random letters.

🎮 How to Play

• Selecting Words: Click and drag your mouse across letters (or swipe with your finger on touchscreens) in a straight line.
• Bidirectional Detection: You can select words in either direction (forward or backward along any straight line).
• Word Found: When a correct word is selected, the cells permanently turn green, and the word is crossed off your word list.
• Progress Counter: The counter beside your theme title shows your current solving progress (e.g., 3/10).
• Reset Game: Click Reset Game under Saved Games to clear marked words and play the current puzzle again from scratch.

💾 Exporting, Printing & Saving

• 💾 Save Game: Stores the generated puzzle and your current progress in local browser storage so you can resume it anytime.
• 🖼️ Export as Image: Generates a crisp PNG image of the puzzle grid, theme title, and word list ready to download or share on mobile.
• 🖨️ Print: Sends a clean, printer-friendly layout directly to your printer without sidebars or controls, perfect for school worksheets and physical games.