About custom Strands puzzles
A custom Strands puzzle starts with an answer or a theme that you choose for someone else. Use the guide below to plan a challenge that fits the game’s rules and the person who will solve it.
How to make a Strands puzzle
Choose the theme and answers
Write a theme, its spangram and the words you want the player to find in the grid.
Check the puzzle
Review the accepted answers and the puzzle’s rules. Correct rejected entries before continuing, and keep any intended surprise out of the invitation.
Share it with a friend
Send the puzzle link through your usual chat. Your friend opens the invitation in a browser and plays the puzzle you chose.
Choosing a fair Strands challenge
Start with a theme, a spangram and a set of words that fit the theme. The spangram expresses the overall idea; the other answers should feel connected to it. The generator arranges the letters into a playable board, so choosing answers is different from drawing a word-search grid by hand.
How your friend plays Strands
Your friend follows neighboring letters to uncover the hidden themed words. A good puzzle has a theme broad enough to allow a satisfying discovery but specific enough to explain every answer. Check spelling and avoid two answers that communicate exactly the same idea. A list of valid words is only the starting point: the layout also has to fit the board before the puzzle can be shared.
Questions about custom Strands puzzles
Does my friend need an account to play?
A recipient can open a shared puzzle and play without creating an account. Send the puzzle link directly; there is no need to exchange passwords or install an app to try the challenge.
Which language should I use?
Use the language in which your friend will play. Supported answers and mode availability depend on that language. If a word or puzzle is rejected, follow the validation message instead of changing the spelling to bypass the rules.
How is the result measured?
Strands rewards solving the themed board. The mode tracks hints, so a puzzle that gives a fair route to the theme is more satisfying than one that forces guessing.
Does this page match me with a stranger?
This page is for planning a custom puzzle for someone you choose. It does not search for an opponent or start a ghost match. Visit Play with friends to explore the other ways to play together.
Is playing the shared puzzle free?
Yes. Your friend can play the shared puzzle for free in a browser. Creating a personal challenge does not require the recipient to buy anything before opening the link.