Crossword Compiler is the most feature-rich crossword program available, but it runs only on Windows, so Mac users need a virtual machine such as Parallels. Gridsmith is a lighter alternative that runs in any modern desktop browser and is free to build, fill, clue and save American-style 15×15 and 21×21 grids. Pick Crossword Compiler if you need many puzzle types and publishing tools. Pick Gridsmith if you want a focused newspaper-style constructor with no install.
Crossword Compiler vs Gridsmith at a glance
| Crossword Compiler | Gridsmith | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows (10 and 11, including Windows on ARM). On Mac it needs a virtual machine such as Parallels | Any modern desktop browser |
| Install | Windows installer | None |
| Pricing model | Yearly subscription or one-off purchase; add-ons sold separately. Exact current prices were not published on its public pages as of October 2026, so check the vendor | Free core. Plus is $4.99/month or $39.96/year |
| Free option | Free demo with a small number of sample word lists, installable for one user | Free tier with unlimited saved puzzles |
| Puzzle types | Many: professional crosswords, vocabulary crosswords, word searches, Sudoku and others | American-style 15×15 and 21×21 crosswords |
| Autofill | Builds puzzles from a word list; separate Professional Grid Filler add-on | Fill-assist ranked suggestions; autofill a word or the whole puzzle |
| Word lists | Add-on word lists available | Large built-in list; import your own scored list |
| Export | PDF, RTF, images, plain text, XML (all styles), .puz, ipuz, Maestro, Crossdown | JSON (free); .puz and print/PDF on Plus |
| Web publishing | Yes, including interactive and printable web pages | No. Gridsmith doesn't publish puzzles for solvers |
| Latest release | 11.51, released August 22, 2026 | Web app, updated continuously |
Sources: the Crossword Compiler site and its update history, export help and download page, plus the FAQ for Mac and licensing details. One third-party constructor resource lists a price range of $49 to $169 with extras costing more; treat that as a rough guide and confirm on the vendor's order page.
Who should pick Crossword Compiler?
Crossword Compiler is the stronger choice when:
- You are on Windows and want the deepest toolset. It supports far more puzzle styles and export formats than Gridsmith does.
- You make more than American-style grids. Cryptics, barred grids, word searches and classroom-style vocabulary puzzles are in scope for Compiler.
- You need professional publishing output. RTF, EPS, PDF, images, web publishing and ipuz are all there.
- You want add-ons such as a dedicated grid filler and extra word lists.
- It has to be actively maintained. Version 11.51 shipped in August 2026, so it is a living product.
Who should pick Gridsmith?
Gridsmith is the better fit when:
- You use a Mac, Chromebook or Linux machine. Compiler is Windows software. Running it on a Mac means installing a virtual machine and Windows, which works well on new Apple silicon Macs according to the vendor, but is extra setup. Gridsmith just opens in a browser.
- You construct themed dailies and Sundays. Gridsmith supports 15×15 and 21×21, applies 180° rotational symmetry automatically and numbers the grid live.
- You want to try it without a trial clock. The free tier lets you build, fill, clue and save unlimited puzzles.
- You want a quiet interface. A clue editor sits next to the grid, a theme mode marks theme entries, and live stats show word count, block percentage and unchecked squares.
Gridsmith does not do rebus, cryptics, barred grids, minis or custom grid sizes, and it can't publish puzzles to solvers. Filling a blank grid from scratch can be slow for any solver. See crossword autofill for what to expect.
Is there a free or Mac version of Crossword Compiler?
There is a free demo, but per the vendor it includes only a small number of sample word lists and installs for one user. For Mac, the vendor's FAQ says the program runs only on Windows and recommends a virtual machine: Parallels, VMware Fusion or VirtualBox, or a cloud Windows machine. A 2024 note from one constructor says the CrossOver compatibility layer produced runtime errors, so don't count on that route.
How do I move a puzzle between Crossword Compiler and Gridsmith?
Both tools handle .puz. Gridsmith needs a Plus subscription for .puz import and export.
- In Crossword Compiler, use File, Export and choose Across Lite (.puz). Note that Compiler's own help says only its XML format supports every puzzle style, so .puz is limited to simple crosswords.
- In Gridsmith, import the .puz file into My Puzzles.
- Check block placement, numbering and clues.
To go the other way, export .puz from Gridsmith and open or import it in Compiler. Gridsmith can only open 15×15 and 21×21 grids. For file-format background, read crossword file formats and how to open a .puz file.
What about other options?
If Windows-only is the issue, Crossfire runs natively on Windows, Mac and Linux for a $50 one-time price. Crosshare is a free browser constructor with publishing. The full roundup covers Ingrid, Exet, Qxw and Phil too.
If you want to test the browser route before buying anything, you can start a puzzle in Gridsmith for free. Building, filling, clueing and saving cost nothing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Crossword Compiler alternative for Mac?
Native options include Crossfire (Windows, macOS, Linux, $50 one-time) and Ingrid (beta). Browser options include Gridsmith and Crosshare, which need no install. The best one depends on whether you need rebus, custom grid sizes or .puz export.
Does Crossword Compiler work on Mac?
Not natively. The vendor says it runs only on Windows and recommends running it in a virtual machine such as Parallels, which they note works well on new Macs running Windows 11 ARM.
Is Gridsmith a full replacement for Crossword Compiler?
No. Compiler covers many more puzzle types and publishing outputs. Gridsmith covers a narrower job, American-style 15×15 and 21×21 construction, with less setup and a free tier.
Can I export a .puz file from Gridsmith?
Yes, with Gridsmith Plus ($4.99/month or $39.96/year). The free tier exports and imports JSON.
Is Crossword Compiler free?
There is a free demo with limits, but full use requires a paid license. The vendor offers a yearly subscription or a one-off purchase, with add-ons sold separately.