Hidden Message Word Search Maker
Type your words and a secret message. Once every word is found, the leftover letters, read left to right, spell the message. The grid resizes itself so the message fits exactly, with no blank squares.
56 cells are left blank because the grid is bigger than your words plus message. Make the grid smaller, or add words.
Birthday Word Search
Find and circle every word in the list. Words go across, down and diagonally.
- BALLOONS
- CAKE
- CANDLES
- CARD
- CONFETTI
- DANCE
- FRIENDS
- GAMES
- MUSIC
- PARTY
- PRESENTS
- WISH
Hidden message: the leftover letters, read left to right and top to bottom, spell a secret message._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Birthday Word Search — Answer Key
Hidden message: Happy birthday to you
How to make it
- Enter your words, one per line.
- Type your hidden message. The grid auto-fits after you stop typing.
- Print or download the PDF. The answer key shows the message letters in red.
Other styles: Shaped Word Search · Bent Word Search · Elbow Word Search · Large Print Word Search · for Teachers
Frequently asked questions
›How does a hidden message word search work?
Every letter not used by a word is part of the message. Solvers cross off all the words, then read the unused letters from left to right and top to bottom.
›Why did my grid change size?
For the message to come out exactly, the number of leftover cells must equal the number of letters in the message. Auto-fit finds the grid size that makes that happen.
›What makes a good hidden message?
Short phrases of 10 to 30 letters work best, such as "Happy birthday Mom", "Welcome to second grade" or "You found them all". Spaces and punctuation are ignored in the grid.