About

MyCrossword at a glance

The complete crossword platform for building, publishing, and solving puzzles.

2,000+

Crosswords

25,000+

Users

100+

Countries

Where it all started

Back in 2020, software developer Tom Blackwell, AKA Raider, set out to build a new type of platform for cryptic crossword enthusiasts. Tom originally designed MyCrossword to build and share his own puzzles with friends and family, but decided to expand the functionality to enable others to do the same. The site was launched in January 2021 and has been growing in popularity ever since. Read more about the site on the Guardian crossword blog.

Follow Raider on Bluesky
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Design components screen

Create your own puzzles

MyCrossword has an integrated editor which enables you to build crosswords without the need for any additional software. The editor boasts a variety of features, including grid templates with fill assist, word pattern matching, indicator lists, device tagging, solution annotations, and more. If you have already created a crossword using another piece of software, MyCrossword has a sophisticated import function that makes it easy to transfer your puzzle. You can access your crossword from any web-connected device, giving you the flexibility to make changes whenever inspiration strikes.

Explore the user guide

Join a community

MyCrossword has quickly become a hub for cryptic crossword enthusiasts from all corners of the world. The site fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging solvers to share praise and provide constructive feedback for aspiring setters.

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People building a website together

Support the site

MyCrossword is a free service and the plan is to keep it that way. However, hosting and maintaining the website comes with an ongoing cost, so if you enjoy using MyCrossword, please consider making a one-off or monthly contribution to help support the site.

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What users say

Ashley KnowlesGuardian Setter

MyCrossword is fast becoming the community of choice for aspiring crossword setters looking for a place to share their work online. Raider has done a great job in creating an elegant site that engenders good-natured mutual support from word-fiends everywhere.

Rob JacquesFinancial Times Setter

I'm very impressed by the MyCrossword site, both as compiler and solver. It's extremely easy to upload crosswords and the solving tool is as good as any on the market. The site hosts a wide array of puzzles from a broad range of setters and the solving community is friendly and constructive.

Charlie MethvenIndependent Setter

MyCrossword has become a fantastic community of crossword lovers. It offers a really useful set of tools for crossword construction, including lists of indicators and abbreviations. I often upload draft crosswords there so I can edit them on my phone whenever and wherever new clue ideas occur to me. Raider is always eager to tweak or add features based on user feedback.

Rachel PlayforthIndependent Setter

The MyCrossword site is incredibly user-friendly whether you're a setter or a solver - everything just works. The quantity, quality and variety of puzzles being shared is amazing, but it's definitely more than just a platform. It's a community of clever and generous people where setters can develop and experiment, with supportive and constructive feedback guaranteed.

Hamish SymingtonGuardian Setter

MyCrossword is such a brilliant resource - not only does it allow setters to focus on the really interesting bits of making a puzzle (ie words and clues), it's a lively, friendly community who are genuinely interested in giving feedback and helping each other succeed. A great place for setters to hone their craft and for solvers to pick up a really wide variety of puzzles.

Dave WilliamsOff-Grid Podcast Co-Host

I find MyCrossword really easy to use, Raider is always open to suggestions and working on additions and features. In addition to which, the site has built up a friendly community of setters and solvers.