Four steps between your textbook chapter and a finished crossword puzzle. The whole process takes less time than writing one clue by hand.
Each step is automatic. Each output is editable.
Drag a textbook chapter into Gridly — PDF, DOCX, or plain text. You can also paste text directly. There is no file size limit during the beta and no formatting requirements.
The platform reads your chapter and identifies vocabulary words, key concepts, names, dates, and definitions. You see the extracted term list and can add, remove, or edit terms before puzzle generation.
Gridly's algorithm arranges your terms into a properly interlocking crossword grid and writes clues based on the source material. You choose the difficulty level and grid density. The puzzle regenerates instantly if you want a different layout.
Export your finished puzzle as a print-ready PDF with a clean student worksheet on one page and the answer key on the next. You can also export as an image or share a digital link for online completion.
What powers each step of the puzzle creation process.
A content analysis engine that parses uploaded text, identifies vocabulary worth testing, and extracts definitions and context. Works across subjects, grade levels, and writing styles.
A crossword construction algorithm that maximizes term intersections, maintains symmetry, and produces grids that look and feel like professionally published puzzles.
A clue generation system that writes grade-appropriate hints based on the source material. Clues reference the chapter content directly so the puzzle doubles as a study guide.
A crossword is only useful if the clues are accurate and the grid is solvable.
Every puzzle Gridly generates is validated before export. The grid is checked for isolated sections, the clues are checked against the source material for factual accuracy, and the difficulty is calibrated to the grade level you selected. If a generated puzzle doesn't meet our quality threshold, Gridly rebuilds it automatically.
Garbage in, puzzle out is not the standard. Every grid should be something you'd be proud to hand out in class. — Gridly quality principle
Upload any chapter and watch the puzzle build itself. The beta is free for all educators — no credit card, no commitment, no time limit.