Format support is why many solvers keep a desktop crossword client. XWord documents Across Lite, XPF, jpz, and partial ipuz in the README. Start with .puz because that is the file most people already have from Across Lite habits.
Across Lite .puz
Open with File, Open. Save progress back to disk. Recovery tools for corrupted .puz files are documented upstream. Prefer keeping originals read-only when you experiment with check and reveal tools.
jpz and XPF
These XML-oriented formats appear in constructor workflows. When a site offers jpz, try it after .puz works. Note failures with the filename and XWord version from Releases so upstream issues stay useful.
ipuz
Version current release improved ipuz handling for custom cells, cryptic, diagramless, and colors. Support is still described as partial historically, so keep expectations calibrated on shared desks.
Diagramless and rebus
Diagramless mode lets you place black squares with .. Rebus entry supports multi-letter squares. Both are easier after a normal American-style grid feels familiar. First run: first run.
Copyright reminder
Software being GPL-3.0 does not make every puzzle free to redistribute. Respect the rights on the puzzle files you open and teach club members the same rule.
Shared desk pin
Shared desks should pin the Releases URL beside the OS version. After every reimage, prove one local crossword open before workshops begin. Travel laptops should download once on a trusted network, then solve offline with puzzles already on disk.
Club download discipline
Club volunteers invent Softonic mirrors when a first launch is blocked. Prefer returning to GitHub Releases for mrichards42/xword instead. Write the exact filename on the machine ticket so the next bump stays honest for the whole room.
Classroom images
Classroom images drift when someone keeps a private copy of an old exe. Prefer the current tag that still ships XWord-Windows.exe and XWord-macOS.zip together. Linux builders should document their wxWidgets version beside the commit they built.
Family PCs
Family PCs benefit from a boring puzzle folder path. Keep Across Lite or a browser board as a fallback until the new window feels normal. Subscription newspaper apps remain optional for archives and are a different job than a local .puz client.
Publisher note
Across Bind publishes install maps for people who searched for crossword software. Upstream XWord remains GPL-3.0. When Releases change asset names, re-check the live list before you refresh a lab image.
Lab and travel
Lab and travel notes also matter for crossword habits. Pin the puzzle folder path beside the installer name. After every blocked SmartScreen or Gatekeeper prompt, return to the same GitHub Releases URL instead of inventing a second download mid-session. That boring rhythm keeps shared desks honest.
Desk logistics
- Ticket line: OS, asset name, puzzle folder
- Demo door: one official path for volunteers
- Travel rule: trusted network first
Write the OS version, asset name, and puzzle folder on one ticket line. Clubs should assign a single demo door so volunteers stop mixing Across Lite, browser tabs, and XWord without notes. Travel kits should carry puzzles on disk only when policy allows encrypted storage.
After the first week
Only then add Package Manager downloaders, heavy layout floating, or diagramless drills. Prefer one documented update habit. Re-check Releases whenever upstream publishes a new tag that still lists your OS asset.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Does XWord open Across Lite files?
Yes. Across Lite .puz files are a primary path. Open them with File, Open after you install from GitHub Releases. Some proprietary Across Lite extensions may still differ from what XWord expects on edge cases.
What about ipuz?
Upstream documents partial ipuz support, with current release improvements for custom cells, cryptic, diagramless, and background colors. Treat edge-case ipuz files carefully and keep a .puz fallback for club machines.
Can I solve rebus puzzles?
Yes. XWord supports rebus entry so a square can hold more than one letter. Prove a normal .puz first, then try rebus on a puzzle that needs multi-letter squares during practice.