How to Make a Game on Microsoft Word
By Daniel Ketchum
Despite the rise of the video game, many people still like to play simple games on paper. There are many different kinds, but one of the most popular is called the "word find" puzzle. In this puzzle, words are hidden inside a rectangular array of letters. The object is to find these words and circle them. Some of these puzzles come with the words listed on the side so you know what to look for, while others expect you to find the words without hints. If you want to make your own "word find" puzzle, you easily can do so using Microsoft Word.
Step 1
Select "Table" from the menu in Microsoft Word and click "Insert Table." In the dialog box that pops up, enter as many columns and rows as you want. The number of columns is the number of letters you want going across the puzzle and the number of rows is the number of letters you want going down the puzzle. Click "OK."
Step 2
Hover the cursor arrow over the lines separating the cells. Drag them together to make each cell just large enough to hold one letter.
Step 3
Click inside the first cell of the first row. In the options at the top, choose the font type and size you want and type in the first letter of the puzzle. Continue typing in the letters for that row, placing one or two words within the set of letters..
Step 4
Repeat Step 3 for the other rows, but in those rows create words downward as well. As a variation, enter words backwards or diagonally, although this takes more planning.
Step 5
Select "File" and click "Save." Name your file and save it. To print your puzzle, select "File" and click "Print."
Writer Bio
Daniel Ketchum holds a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University where he also attended graduate school. Later, he taught history and humanities. Ketchum is experienced in 2D and 3D graphic programs, including Photoshop, Poser and Hexagon and primarily writes on these topics. He is a contributor to sites like Renderosity and Animotions.