Advanced puzzles types and how to make them

This topic describes how to change the grid, square and clue properties to achieve various different effects in your puzzles. See the topics Standard Crosswords, Vocabulary/Freeform puzzles, Shape Puzzles, French Style Crosswords, Barred Crosswords and Clues in Squares puzzles for the standard puzzle types.

Skeleton puzzles and hint-letters

To make the 'R' visible select the square and open Square Properties. Select the Letter visible in puzzle box. By selecting all the rest of the squares except the one numbered '5', selecting square properties, and clicking on Blank in puzzle you can make any evidence of the other squares disappear.

Colored squares, letters and lines

Change the color of grid lines and block colors under Grid Properties. Use Square Properties to set the colors of individual squares. Set the color of letters and numbers by changing the grid font.
 

Clue Types

Un-numbered clues

A Some (3)
B Greek harp (4)
C Burden (4)
D Vase (3)
E Utilize (3)
F Aged (3)

 

 

Clues are displayed in random order, each is assigned a letter in order of listing.

Set Clue Properties Clue Numbering is to Random order.

Fill-in words

3 letter words
 ANY
 OLD
 URN
 USE

4 letter words
LYRE
ONUS

 

In these puzzles there are no clues and the idea is to try and fit the words into the grid. Just create any type of puzzle and then print out or export Fill-in words.

The grids for this type of puzzle usually would have Square Numbering set to None under Grid Properties.