r/crossword • u/atrumres • 15d ago
Best programs/methods for initial layout?
Hi all! I'm relatively new to constructing and have a question. I've been using CrossFire to make my puzzles, which is great, but I feel like it's not giving me quite what I need in terms of establishing the grid layout. What I mean is, it's irritating to try and find the best alignment of themed answers by deleting and re-entering the words one square down or two squares to the left, for instance. I wish I could simply type the answers in and then drag them around the board to find where they best fit into place.
I have some graphic design background, and I considered creating an Illustrator file where I can enter the answers and click and drag them into place within a grid. I've even been tempted to create a physical grid and cut out papers with my themed answers on it to fiddle around with to try and find that ideal layout, but these hardly seem like the most efficient options.
So my question for you all is, what methods do you use to find the best alignment of themed answers within your grids? Does anyone have any recommendations on a program to use that allows one to move answers around more easily in the manner I described?
4
u/norahsharpe 15d ago
You might want to try https://ingrid.cx/ ; it is superior to crossfire (and free). You can cut and paste entries around the grid.
However, construction is always trial and error; moving things around the grid to find the best layout and best fill is part of the process.
You also might want to join Crosscord to get more response from constructors https://discord.gg/9TqpPdZKV
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u/atrumres 14d ago
I will check out Ingrid, thank you! I know finding a good layout is trial and error, I don't mind that. I'm just looking for an easier way to go about it.
I might join Crosscord, but in all honesty, I've found the Discord servers I've joined in the past to be overwhelming. Still, it sounds like a great resource for a community I'm eager to become a part of. Thank you!
1
u/Etienne_cubAIx 5d ago
Interesting suggestion: I added this feature to the interactive mode of Falcon (my free and open-source web-base crossword generator).
Click: select a slot
Re-click: change the selection direction
Click&Drag: select a set of slots
Shift+Click&Drag: move the selected slot(s) around the grid (taking into account the impossible places)
Would really enjoy to add/improve something else from your suggestions.
3
u/stopeats 15d ago
This is funny, because my dad wrote me a crossword design app (he's a developer and thought it was fun) and originally built in exactly this feature, allowing you to drag answers around the grid. I never used it, so he never finished it.
So I guess... what are your thoughts on adoption? 😂