Crossword on GitHub
By Across Bind editorial team Current release, published November 29, 2022
The crossword client this guide maps is XWord at mrichards42/xword. Read the repository for licence, build notes, and issue history before you trust a binary from Releases.
Repo: mrichards42/xword. Docs site: XWord overview. Releases: GitHub Releases.
What the repo contains
Source under src, puzzle format code under puz, Lua packages under lua, and documentation under docs. COPYING holds GPL-3.0 text. CHANGELOG.md records current release features such as ipuz improvements and coded crossword support.
- GPL-3.0 licence file named COPYING
- README with features and build steps
- Docs images used on this install guide
Stars and activity
Live star and release counts come from the GitHub API at build time. Prefer the Releases page over random forks when you need XWord-Windows.exe or XWord-macOS.zip. Security reports: security.
Issues and contributions
Open issues cover format edge cases, layout bugs, and platform fixes. Read an issue before filing a duplicate. This install guide does not triage upstream bugs; it maps install doors for people who searched for crossword software.
How Releases relate to the tree
The current tag attaches the Windows exe and macOS zip. Lua package list files also attach. Linux users follow README build steps because no Linux binary ships on that tag. Asset map: releases.
Reading the docs folder
HTML docs explain the main window, preferences, solving, diagramless mode, and Package Manager. Prefer those pages when you need menu names. Overview: docs.
Safe clone habits
Clone only if you plan to build. Everyday crossword desks should take the Releases exe or zip instead. Safe download habits: download safe. First hour: installed.
Publisher note
Across Bind publishes this install map. Upstream XWord remains independent under GPL-3.0. When the repo renames assets, re-check Releases before you refresh a lab image. Windows install: install on Windows.
Do not treat a random fork as the update door. Prefer the canonical mrichards42/xword URL you typed yourself. After a reimage, prove one local .puz open before you call the crossword client ready for shared desks.
Club machines should bookmark Releases and the docs overview together. Travel laptops should keep the puzzle folder path written beside the tag name. Classroom tickets should pin XWord-Windows.exe or XWord-macOS.zip so volunteers stop inventing Softonic mirrors mid-workshop.
Asset names to keep boring
Prefer XWord-Windows.exe on Windows and XWord-macOS.zip on macOS from GitHub Releases for mrichards42/xword. Linux remains a source build on the current tag. Write those names beside the OS version on the machine ticket so the next bump stays honest.
- Windows door: XWord-Windows.exe
- macOS door: XWord-macOS.zip
- Linux door: README build notes only
- Ignore packages_*.lua when you only need the installer
Habits that keep installs clean
Type the GitHub Releases URL yourself. Refuse Softonic-style rename jobs. Prove one local .puz open before Package Manager. Keep Across Lite or a browser board as a labeled fallback during the first week on shared desks.
Travel laptops should download once on trusted network, then solve offline. Classroom images should re-prove File, Open after every reimage. Club volunteers should stop inventing a third download when SmartScreen or Gatekeeper blocks the first honest run.
- One Releases bookmark per profile
- One puzzle folder path on the ticket
- One update door forever
Related paths on this guide
Home install panel: crossword home. Safe download: download safe. Releases map: releases. GitHub overview: GitHub. First hour: installed. Windows detail: install on Windows. macOS detail: install on macOS. Linux source: install on Linux.
Across Bind publishes this map for people who searched for crossword software and need an offline XWord client under GPL-3.0. Upstream remains at mrichards42/xword. Subscription newspaper apps stay optional for archives and are never required for a local .puz habit.
When Releases change which OS assets appear, re-check the live list before you refresh a lab image. Prefer the same tag family across Windows and macOS desks whenever both assets still ship together. That habit reduces confused uninstalls after a reimage weekend.
Verify before you image
Open the live Releases list and confirm the Windows exe and macOS zip still appear on the tag you plan to teach. Prefer that pairing when Windows and macOS desks should stay aligned. Record UNVERIFIED for any command you have not run on a real machine yet.
- Confirm asset names on GitHub Releases
- Pin filenames on the machine ticket
- Prove one local .puz open after imaging
- Keep Softonic mirrors off the bookmark bar