Once you have selected the type of puzzle you want to make in the New Puzzle window and you have chosen a size for the puzzle, you can then select a grid pattern from a grid library. Which grid library you use will depend on what type of puzzle you want to make.
To use one of the grid patterns just click on the pattern name, and you will be able to view the pattern. You can select a different Grid library if you want to. Click the Use pre-designed grid to use the pattern you have selected. You can also generate a new random pattern by using Generate Pattern. If you selected the cryptic or quick style you will instead be given the option to fill in a basic pattern of alternating blocks, which then links to the Generate Pattern window if desired.
If you use one of the patterns from the grid library you will then be asked how you want to enter words into the grid. You can select to enter them by hand, automatically using AutoFill, or with custom settings using Fill Grid.