When CrosswordRace.com launched, the focus was on A.I.-generated puzzles. You’d enter the Live Arena, race against others, and solve whatever the robots put in front of you. Over time, we introduced Community Puzzles to bring a more human touch to the game, but there was still something missing—a way for players to bring their own puzzles.

Now, you can now upload your own .ipuz files and play them directly in your browser, no account required. Whether you’re a constructor testing a new grid, a solver with a personal collection of puzzles, or someone who just wants to play puzzles in a clean interface with no b.s., this feature gives you the flexibility to play what you want, when you want.

The process is simple: upload an .ipuz file, and it loads instantly in the CrosswordRace interface. You can solve at your own pace or share the puzzle link with friends to solve together. There’s no login requirement, no extra steps—just a quick and easy way to play crosswords online.

What is an .ipuz File?

An .ipuz file is a free, extensible format for crossword and other word puzzles (more details here). It was designed to be an open alternative to proprietary puzzle formats, making it easier to share puzzles across different platforms. The format includes all the information needed to display and solve a puzzle: grid layout, clues, solution, and metadata. Since it’s widely supported, many crossword tools and apps allow you to export or import puzzles in the .ipuz format.

Where Do I Find .ipuz Files?

If you’re looking for .ipuz files to upload and play, there are a few places to check:

• Crossword Puzzle Websites – Some sites offer downloadable puzzles in .ipuz format, often as an alternative to PDFs or interactive web play.
• Puzzle Construction Software – If you create your own crosswords, many puzzle-making programs allow you to export your puzzles as .ipuz files.
• Online Crossword Communities – Enthusiast forums and crossword-sharing groups sometimes distribute .ipuz files for community solving.
• Your Own Collection – If you’ve downloaded puzzles from various sources in the past, you might already have some .ipuz files waiting to be solved.

This update is about giving players more freedom. If you have a puzzle you love, you shouldn’t have to track down specialized software or print it out just to solve it. Now, you can play it right in your browser, alongside the rest of the CrosswordRace community.