A few simple steps.

Start with a clue

Choose a clue under Across or Down. Its squares will turn pale green, and your current square will turn gold. Type the answer one letter at a time. The number in parentheses tells you how many letters to use.

Move around the puzzle

Use the arrow keys to move, or tap a square. At a crossing, tap the square again or press Enter to switch between Across and Down. Backspace erases a letter. Tab takes you out of the board and on to the buttons.

These are themed mini crosswords with open layouts. Some letters are shared by two words; other letters belong to just one word. The puzzles use American English and everyday definitions.

Take a hint whenever you like

Check word checks only the selected word. Incorrect letters are underlined as well as colored. Reveal letter fills one square for you. There are no penalties and no timer.

Make yourself comfortable

Choose Larger clues to enlarge the clue text. You can also use your browser’s zoom controls. Sound starts off; turn it on if you enjoy a quiet tap when you enter a letter. Your sound and clue-size choices are remembered in this browser when storage is available.

Leave and come back

Your letters are saved automatically in this browser on this device. Private browsing, clearing browser data, or changing devices can remove or separate your progress. No account is needed.

Print a paper copy

Open any puzzle and select Print this puzzle. On the print page, select Print puzzle. Choose US Letter paper in portrait orientation and turn off browser headers and footers. The answers have their own page, so there are no accidental spoilers.

To download a PDF, choose Save as PDF instead of a printer in your browser’s print window. You may print puzzles for personal use and noncommercial group activities.