I've tried XWordinfo.com and the problem is that it's like trying to prove that unicorns don't exist because there are none in your sock drawer. In other words, it's easier to prove something DOES exist than that something DOESN'T exist. I've been poking around at it seems that my best option is to just clue my partial as a "Lead-In."

What might still be interesting is any advice on how to search for something like this in a clue db. The best I could come up with was to do a search for "lead-in" and to pick a frequently used partial compound word and the to see how else THAT word was clued. I landed on "micro" on Xwordinfo and didn't find any FITB clues. By no means conclusive, but is there even a better way?

I see where "lead-in", "prefix", and "opener" are frequently used to clue partial compound words but I'm wondering if there are other acceptable options? Are FITB clues ever used?

Publication specs can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12HGynb2VpJR2akQPT7iCMUBXxqcwzmk3kJjic8F24Kk/edit?fbclid=IwAR0lO_E_1S37atCLmpTJUhtn5EZ6iBPmlnrglwOMxqhLr8LkgRlY_5W1cVE&gid=0#gid=0

WSJ says 8 months, which I think is unconscionable, but you've gone beyond that so a follow up would be appropriate IMO.

Hello. I do not know if you can help me. I am from Romania, here we use french style similar template. I meam only Across and Down inside squares are numbered. Is there away to have a template like I said? I want a 15x15 template. All templates are based on American style crossword. I use crossword compiler. Who can help me with a template for Crossword Compiler?

Quote from: GregB on May 24, 2024, 08:18:55 PM

Hi there, this may be a silly question but very new to Crossfire. rice purity score meaning

Im trying to compile a themed crossword (cryptic) for a group of people with a common interest. A lot of the answers are likely to be very specialised or words only used by the group (its a medical examination board so lots of references to textbook names etc which are unlikely to appear in a dictionary data base)

geometry dash

Is there a way of getting the crossfire app to use exclusively all the words I have generated clues for to start a grid, and THEN filling in any remaining gaps with other clues? In other words Id like to find a way of getting as many of my pre written clues into the grid, and then filling in after with more generic words if that makes sense?

Apologies if this is a repeated or stupid question, but would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Greg

Crossword Compiler is out of date, and I need to get a new one. According to The NYT: "CrossFire is the most popular choice among professional constructors ...." According to Cruciverb: "Crossword Compiler is considered by most constructors to be one of the best puzzle-making software package available." Do you have any recommendations from people who have used both? Although Crossfire is more affordable, I am more used to the way Crossword Compiler works.

Each has its own advantages. If you are familiar with the Crossword Compiler interface, you will probably feel more comfortable continuing to use it. However, Crossfire also has a friendly and easy-to-use interface, especially if you are just starting out.
Crossfire is often more affordable, but if you need a powerful tool with many features, investing in Crossword Compiler may be a good choice.
Consider the features you need. If you need a highly customizable software with good support for creating themed crosswords, try both. Some users say that Crossfire has a better autocomplete feature for specialized words.