Crossword Compiler

While extensive features and an intuitive interface make Crossword Compiler an outstanding puzzle application, the stingy trial version is far from ideal. Crossword Compiler lets you create several kinds of word puzzles, including Cryptic, American, Freeform, and Shaped. You also can design your own numbers-based Sudoku game. The program comes with a good variety of templates and thematic vocabulary. You can alter size and type, add anagrams and cues, change colors, and even publish to a Web page. Puzzle creation takes mere seconds, which is good news for teachers preparing handouts. The only hitch, and it's a big one, is the miserliness of the demo. In addition to blocking some minor features, it doesn't let you open saved puzzles or export medium-sized ones to Web pages. Worse, it can be launched only 10 times. In sum, Crossword Compiler is a solid, feature-rich program saddled with an overly restrictive demo. English teachers and die-hard puzzle fans probably won't mind, but more casual users may be discouraged.