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Crossword Constructor Resource Guide
A collection of tools for people looking to make their own puzzles.
Construction Software
Some constructors still use graph paper and an expansive collection of dictionaries, but most use software. CrossFire is the most popular choice among professional constructors, but there are a number of excellent options.
CrossFire (paid, Windows and Mac OS X)
Crossword Compiler (paid, Windows only)
Crosserville (free, browser-based, has a good integrated word list)
PuzzleMe (free, browser-based, also provides hosting for embedded puzzles)
Online Dictionaries
You can’t have a word game without words. These dictionaries are set up to help constructors find words to fill grids.
XWord Info (may require a donation)
Word Lists
Because it is the backbone of construction software, a good word list can make for a better puzzle. Some puzzle makers use multiple word lists, while others use just one primary list that they’ve created. Most online word lists are configured to work with CrossFire unless otherwise noted, and you’ll want to grab the scored version. More info on how constructors use word lists can be found in the article below.
Some word lists may require a donation or payment.
XWord Info Scored Word List, and Jeff Chen’s Personal List
Expanded Crossword Name Database
Places to Meet Other Constructors
No matter how deft you are with a dictionary or how carefully you curate your word list, nothing can replace the feedback of having another person solve your puzzle. Whether you’re looking for test solvers for a puzzle you’ve already built, or for a mentor to show you how to construct, these discussion groups will be helpful.
Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory on Facebook
Publications With Open Submission Guidelines
Once your crossword is ready, you’ll need to find somewhere to submit it! While we’d love to run every puzzle sent to The New York Times, we can only run so many. Here are some outlets to consider.
The Los Angeles Times (guidelines)
The Wall Street Journal (guidelines)
The Universal Crossword, which is syndicated (guidelines)
Other Useful Tools and Websites
Here are a few more resources to construct, solve or research puzzles.
XWord Info is a lifesaver, with a nearly complete archive of New York Times crossword puzzles and statistics.
xd.saul.pw is a puzzle info aggregator with data available for download.
Cruciverb.com has a list of common theme types.
Wordlisted is a tool for searching within word lists. It’s especially useful for finding theme material.
Squares is a browser-based tool for collaborative puzzle solving.
The “Crossword Constructor’s Handbook” by Patrick Berry is a great way to learn the ropes.
Crossword Blogs and Columns
Once a puzzle has been published, solvers will want to talk about it. Often they have these conversations on Twitter, but there are also some long-running outlets that provide more extensive feedback.
The following may contain spoilers for the puzzles they discuss.
Wordplay, the New York Times crossword column
Diary of a Crossword Fiend, which discusses puzzles from several outlets
Rex Parker Does the NY Times Crossword Puzzle
Horace and Frances Discuss the New York Times Crossword Puzzle
Sally’s Take on the USA Today Crossword
Inspiration
These publications do not have open submissions, but they still publish high-quality puzzles and can serve as inspiration or research material. Not all of them are syndicated or published daily, but they often have archives with a large number of puzzles.
Some may require a payment or donation.
The New Yorker Crossword publishes a new puzzle every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
USA Today has a daily full-length and mini crossword.
Newsday runs a daily crossword puzzle, including its notoriously difficult “Saturday Stumper.”
The American Values Club runs one puzzle a week.
The Inkubator generally publishes at least three puzzles a month “by women — cis women, trans women and woman-aligned constructors.”
Queer Qrosswords sells puzzle packs made by L.G.B.T.Q. constructors to benefit L.G.B.T.Q. charities.
Women of Letters is a puzzle pack by some of the best female constructors.
7xwords publishes 7x7 grids six days a week that are slightly more difficult than the average mini crossword.
Puzzle Tournaments
Competitive solving is another great way to learn about the limits of crossword construction. There have been some highly celebrated tournament puzzles over the years, and many are available in their respective archives. Competitions are also good places to meet other crossword solvers and constructors.
The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, run by The Times’s puzzle editor, Will Shortz, takes place every spring.
The Lollapuzzoola crossword tournament is held annually on a Saturday in August.
Boswords, a crossword puzzle league, holds regular tournaments.
The Indie 500 Crossword Tournament has a delightful theme every year.
Did we leave something out?
This is a living guide, so please submit resources below for us to add.
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