Logic Grid Puzzle Maker
Each category has the same number of items and maps one-to-one to every other category. A clue says whether two items describe the same subject or different subjects. The bounded solver enumerates assignments. Example people and objects are fictional names written for this tool.
Key features
- A one-to-one model for 2–4 categories with 2–4 items each
- Add or remove positive and negative clues; recheck impossible, unique or multiple outcomes
- Pairwise ✓/×/? solving grids with arrow-key focus movement
- A positive hint only after the opposite assumption has been disproved
- Clue-only puzzle SVG/print and a separately confirmed answer SVG
- Strict local JSON import/export capped at 32 KB
How to use
- Enter a category name and one item per line, then apply. Applying resets existing clues and solve marks.
- Choose items from two categories and add a Same or Different clue. Inspect whether the clues admit no, one, multiple or still-unconfirmed solutions.
- Select a category pair and click cells to cycle ? → ✓ → × → ?. Arrow keys move focus between cells.
- Request a hint when the current clues and marks have a unique solution; the tool checks the opposite mark again before suggesting ✓.
- Export or print the clue-only puzzle. If exactly one solution is confirmed, explicitly reveal the separate answer table and SVG.
Use cases
- Make a classroom deduction puzzle
- Check whether clues are sufficient or contradictory
- Hand out a puzzle and a separate answer sheet
Frequently asked questions
How is a unique solution established?
The first category anchors the subjects. The solver enumerates permutations for other categories, tests every clue and stops once two valid mappings prove multiplicity. Exactly one solution is reported only after exhaustive search finishes.
What if the search budget expires?
Search stops after at most 20,000 visited nodes or about 300 ms and reports unconfirmed. Seeing one candidate before that point never proves uniqueness; seeing none never proves a contradiction.
What does a hint prove?
When the current state has one solution, the tool assumes the proposed pair is not matched and solves again. It suggests ✓ only if that opposite assumption has no solutions after completed search.
Does the problem sheet contain the answer?
No. The puzzle SVG and print view contain only categories, clues and blank grids. An answer table and SVG appear separately, only after the unique solution is confirmed and you confirm reveal.
Is my puzzle saved on a server?
No. Clues, marks, solving, JSON and SVG are handled in this browser tab. A file is downloaded only when you choose to save one.
Privacy
Categories, clues and solve marks stay in the browser tab. A local file or print window is created only when you choose to save or print.
Comments & questions