How to create a new puzzle
Before generating a new puzzle
Follow these steps before creating a new Crisscross Words puzzle:
- Open the dictionary you want to use for the new puzzle. A dictionary must be open in order to create a new puzzle.
- Use the Preference command in the File menu to open the dialog box for the software’s preferences. Fix the settings for generating the puzzle.
- the minimum number of words you want in the puzzle
- the maximum number of words you want in the puzzle (optional))
- the puzzle's dimensions
- the use of exclusion factors
- Tick the Solution options on the right side of the window:
- if you wish the clues to be active while the puzzle is being solved
- if you want capital letters to be respected when the user enters a response
- if a pause is permitted while the puzzle is being solved (when a time limit has been specified)
- if the user can start over once the puzzle has been completed or stopped
- if you want to specify a time limit. If the time limit box is not ticked, the user will have unlimited time to complete the puzzle. If you want a time limit, tick this option and specify the number of minutes.
- If you tick the "always use the default settings to generate a puzzle" option, any puzzle you create will be generated using the predefined settings until the box is deactivated. Otherwise, this settings box always appears when the puzzle generator starts up.
How to create a puzzle
To create a new Crisscross Words puzzle, select the Generate a puzzle from the Dictionary menu or click the Generate a puzzle button in the Dictionary mode. This command will open the puzzle generator.
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The first step is to choose the settings and solution options for the puzzle. These settings and options are the same as those defined above in the software’s preferences.
N.B. If the "always use the default settings to generate a puzzle" option is ticked in the preferences box, this option panel will not appear. The puzzle generator will appear immediately.
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Click the Next button to create the puzzle. This second step generates a puzzle automatically. You can follow the progression in the left side of the window. Once the puzzle is created, a miniature preview appears so you can see the words it contains.
N.B. If the creation of the puzzle seems to take forever, it’s because the settings entered in the previous panel are causing a problem. For example, if the minimum number of words is 30 and the puzzle dimensions are only 11 X 11, a puzzle cannot be generated. However, the generator will continue to try to create a puzzle. To stop the process, click on the Previous button. You can then change the settings so the puzzle can be created.
If you have selected the "always use the default settings to generate a puzzle" option, you must choose the Preferences option in the File menu to change the settings.
- The third step is to preview and save the puzzle:
- Click the Generate HTML button to save a web version of the puzzle (this option will be explained later).
- Click on the Previous button to create a new puzzle using the same settings.
- Click on the Finish button to display the puzzle and use it.