![]() ![]() In my first tests, Crossfire had a harder time filling a grid than Crossword Compiler (plus its dictionaries), but after adding the Cruciverb word lists to the built-in dictionary, it works very nicely. Its Wordplay Wizard option (which offers cryptic tips) is also available separately.Ī followup to my previous post - I purchased the full version of Crossfire and have been using it for a week or so now. The CrosswordMan offerings also look excellent, and seem to be a particularly good option if you intend to create UK style cryptic crosswords. I also liked the way that it would warn me if I tried to put black squares in the wrong positions - producing two-letter words, or squares that are part of only one word. However, working interactively with the program was easy. It will autofill grids, although (based on a fairly brief test) I don't think its word lists are as extensive as CC Pro. It has fewer options than Crossword Compiler, but is also more straightforward to use, and, if you use a Mac, it seems to be the only option. I have played around with Crossfire, too. Its export options are so-so - to get a good printed version, I find it's best to export to EPS (which is scalable and look good) and lay it out in Adobe InDesign. It will offer clues, too, although not all words have clues. You can create and enter your own specialized word lists for themed puzzles. Very professional! Its crossword engine is powerful, but you really have to get the Professional Bundle, which automatically fills the grid, or gives various options to do the job semi-automatically, choosing words as you go. I was impressed by how well it handles Word Search puzzles - it will check for accidental duplicate words, and for accidental obscenities. It does a good job on a variety of puzzles. Creating the grids used to be hard work - I can't believe how much easier it's all become! I purchased Crossword Compiler - it is generally considered the king of the hill, and it deserves its reputation. I created crosswords by hand many years ago for a puzzle book, and now I'm working on a new book. I came looking for the answer to the same question. What would you buy if you were at the threshold and hadn't purchased anything yet? Ĭomments? I see very little response to some of these question-threads but many seem to have read them (usually 300-400 reads) so I know somebody out there is reading them.Īgain, I want to buy 1 product and 1 product only. edu site that may or not be free depending on if you're in education or not (Does my wifes job at the school count?). Also, I hear theres a 'Crossword Maestro' out there and Hot Potato Software is a product of an. but it's free and only a malcontent would poke holes in free software. Priced better than the others $30, maybe.Ĭrossdown, Crossword Forge and Crossword Weaver: Didn't try them, no idea whatsoever other than they are still for sale with prices all over the board.Īcross Lite, looked and it seemed like it was not capable of what I want to do (could be wrong). Current version 1.2 tells me (like Crossfire) it has not been worked up to its potential. ![]() Looks like a newer entry into the market and if the author keeps improving it, it has real possibilities. Severely crippling your demos is never a good idea.Ĭrossword Studio: Tried it, not bad. Gets good reviews by those that use it, but then again I tried the demo and after a few usages it told me buy or goodbye, so it's goodbye for now. You can buy the basic or you can buy the bells and whistles. ![]() But still, this looks like a decent product.ĬCW: Crossword Compiler, the author seems to break it into purchase modules, not well received. ? And I'm seeing some people ask if it is still being supported (silence from the author is never good, in fact he didn't bother to reply to my inquisitive email). free lifetime upgrades once you buy it ($50), but has seen only 3 upgrade/fixes (1.0, 1.1 and the current 1.2) since. So far, I see ~6 or so different software packages out there, let me list what I know about them (so far):Ĭrossfire: Rather nice Youtube piece on it by a pro building an Angels and Demons themed 15x15 with it. I have searched through the old threads on the forums here and haven't quite found the answer to my question: If you were going to buy one product to build puzzles, what would it be? Done a couple of specialized ones (Fraternal, etc) and have dabbled with some demos to do them. ![]() Long-time puzzle solver, new to construction. ![]()
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