Answer Key Helper
Word Search Solver and Answer Key Helper
Paste a letter grid and word list to make a highlighted answer key. This version is for typed grids, printable handouts, and copied puzzles that need a quick visual check.
How to use this helper
Enter one grid row per line. Spaces are fine. Words can go forward or backward across rows, columns, and diagonals. The answer key highlights the grid and lists one-based row and column numbers.
If you searched for a wordsearch solver, this is the same kind of helper. We use the two-word spelling, word search, because it is clearer in headings and instructions.
For now, this solver uses typed grids only. Image scanning is a separate feature because camera OCR needs careful review and should not slow down the paper-first helper.
If you meant page search
A word search puzzle and searching for a word on a web page are different tasks. This tool solves a letter-grid puzzle. If you only need to find text inside a browser page, document, or PDF, use the built-in Find command instead.
On most Windows and Chromebook keyboards, press Ctrl+F. On a Mac, press Command+F. Then type the word you want to find. The browser, Google Docs, Word, or many PDF viewers will jump through matching text on that page or document.
For Google searches, a minus sign can exclude a word from results,
such as word search -kids. That search operator is
useful for narrowing web results, but it does not solve a puzzle
grid.
Printable puzzle support
If you are using one of our large print puzzles, the built-in answer key is still the easiest route. Use this solver when you have a different typed grid, a copied puzzle, or a paper handout that you want to check manually.
Common questions
Can this word search solver read images?
No. This first version solves typed letter grids and word lists. It does not upload or scan images.
Can it find words backwards and diagonally?
Yes. The helper checks rows, columns, and diagonals in both forward and backward directions, then highlights the answer path.
Is this also a wordsearch solver?
Yes. Some people write wordsearch as one word. This helper uses the two-word spelling, word search, but it solves the same kind of hidden-word puzzle grid.
How do I search for a word on a page instead?
Use the built-in Find command: Ctrl+F on Windows or Chromebook, or Command+F on Mac. This page's solver is for word search puzzle grids, not normal page text.
How do I exclude a word from Google Search?
Place a minus sign directly before the word you want to leave out, such as word search -kids. That narrows Google results but does not solve a puzzle grid.