Start with a theme that naturally produces words
A theme helps the title, clue and answer list feel connected. British wildlife, local geography, theatre, food or everyday vocabulary can all work when the chosen words share enough letters.
Do not force a theme that leaves you with weak or questionable answers. A smaller coherent puzzle is preferable to a larger grid full of padding.
Choose a productive main word
The main word contains 4 to 11 letters and creates the letter wheel. Repeated letters matter because every answer must be possible from the letters actually available.
Before building the grid, write down several valid answers from the wheel. If the list is too thin, change the main word rather than lowering the quality of the puzzle.
Keep the required answer list fair
Required answers should be recognisable to the intended audience and use consistent British spelling. Check plurals, inflections and less common variants rather than assuming they will be accepted.
Mix short and long answers. Short words help players enter the grid, while longer ones create useful crossings and a stronger sense of progress.
Use bonus words as a reward for curiosity
A bonus word is valid from the wheel but is not needed to finish the grid. It should reward a clever find rather than become a hidden requirement.
Keep bonus words separate from required answers and check them with the same spelling care. Players notice inconsistencies even when the word is optional.
Generate the grid, then inspect every crossing
Automatic layout is a quick starting point. Check that the result is readable and that important answers do not sit in an awkward isolated area.
Use manual layout when the automatic board does not suit the theme or screen. Test the finished arrangement on mobile before deciding it is ready.
Add one useful clue and a realistic timer
The clue should identify the theme or offer a broad nudge. It should not list the required answers or turn the crossword into a copying exercise.
Time a real solve from the public page. Long wheels and unfamiliar themes need more breathing room than a compact everyday puzzle.
Solve the complete grid before publishing
Enter every required and bonus word, check the crossings and confirm that the completion state appears only after all required answers are found.
Open the published page after saving. Its title, description and category should set the right expectation without exposing the word list.
British English crossword creator questions
What is the main word?
It is the 4 to 11 letter word whose letters form the wheel used to build every required and bonus answer.
How many required answers can I add?
You can add from 1 to 20 required crossword answers.
What is a bonus word?
It is a valid extra word made from the wheel. Players may find it for a bonus, but it is not required to finish the grid.
Can I arrange the grid myself?
Yes. Start with automatic placement or use the manual layout controls when you want a particular arrangement.
Should all words use British spelling?
Yes. Keep the main word, required answers, bonus words and public copy consistent with the en-GB section.
What should I test before publishing?
Solve every answer, inspect the crossings, check the clue and timer, then replay the public page on a phone-sized screen.
Build the word list before you build the board
A strong main word and a clean British English answer list give the layout something worth organising.
Test the completed grid without relying on memory, then publish and share its public page.
Build your crossword Plan the word list and read the guide first. Sign in when you are ready to save the crossword.