All of the items here are all of the free (!) resources that I’ve used in my own constructing. There are great paid resources too, I know –– but they’re not included because 1) I haven’t tried any of them out, and 2) I feel like I’ve managed to do so much with just these resources.
Current Specs
Software: Crosserville – I can’t believe this site is free. It pretty much does anything you could ask for, from importing wordlists to autofill to creating different grid dimensions to a clue database. I’m a convert.
Wordlist(s): Spread the Wordlist, Peter Broda’s Wordlist, Expanded Crossword Name Database – There’s been a push to make wordlists more accessible, and I’m so grateful that these three lists are free to use. Spread the Wordlist is clean and comprehensive, and a great starting wordlist. Peter Broda’s Wordlist is more expansive (about 5x!) but as a result, there are a bunch of words that I don’t see myself using in a puzzle. Expanded Crossword Name Database specifically contains significant people and groups who have been historically underrepresented in crossword puzzles and wordlists.
Other Resources
Software – all of the grid-making basics
- Keiran King’s Phil – This site is simple, clean, and lets you import your own wordlists (which you can’t do in Crosshare, and have to pay for in Sparkling Fill). It’s barebones; there’s no autofill, word-scoring, or clue database. Although I’ve moved on from the site, I view my work here as a sort of “rite of passage.”
- Crosshare – Great for constructing on your smartphone! Has autofill features, a clue database, and a zippy built-in wordlist (no word scoring though). The site also serves as a place to publish, share, and solve puzzles too.
- Sparkling Fill – Has word-scoring and some autofill features built in, as well as a decent clue database. You can pay extra in order to import your own wordlist and to access full-grid autofill.
Theme Help – finding words linked by a common thread
- OneLook – Single word lookup with a bit more functionality, such as listing words associated with a definition, or containing a certain letter pattern.
- Crossword Nexus – Two niche but useful programs: Adam Rosenfield’s “Algebraic Crosswords” (for letter-morphing) and “Double Occupancy” (for “Before & After” type themes).
Fill – finding single word entries for your non-theme answers
- One Across – Simple and sweet: You search for a letter pattern, and it gives you words.
- OneLook – Single word lookup that’s so good, it’s worth listing in two categories.
Wordlists – Plug it into software (for me, Phil) for a whole dictionary at your fingertips
- Crossword Nexus’s Collaborative Wordlist – I’ve used this for a few months ago, and it facilitated my switch from Sparkling Fill to Phil. A little instruction-reading, but everything works peachy.
- Peter Broda’s Wordlist – The only resource I haven’t tried a ton yet, but maybe I’ll become a convert; the list is constantly being updated and curated by Mr. Broda.
Grid Layout – where do I put my black squares?
- Crossword Grid Search – This site was especially helpful when I first started constructing, and I love seeing how constructors handle theme restraints differently.
If you have anything that you think should be added, send me an email at thegridalchemist@gmail.com 🙂
Grid Alchemy 