Overview

Looking to level up your puzzle book design skills and creative workflow? Whether you're exploring the artistry of layout, diving into AI-assisted design tools, or crafting your next masterpiece, this resource page has you covered.

Resource Directory

Note: some of the links on this resource page are affiliate links. If you purchase through such a link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Content Creation: Image Generation (Everyone)

NightCafe Studio

By Angus Russell

Resource type: Online Tool

Create custom puzzle artwork using AI models including Flux and DALL-E 3. Generate, upscale, and download images for puzzle assets. Access basic models with free account or unlock premium models with subscription. Design unique visual elements.

N/A Link affiliate link? Yes

Content Creation: Template Collections (Everyone)

Logic Puzzle Grids

By Tim Styer

Resource type: Website

Free PNG logic grid puzzle templates, available in sizes from 2x2 to 12x12. Download ready-to-use grids for your puzzle designs. Clear, print-quality images suitable for both digital and print publications.

HTML Link affiliate link? No

Learning Resources: Books & Publications (Everyone)

Prompt Engineering For Puzzle Book Designers

By Mitchell H. Allen

Resource type: Book

A practical guide to prompt engineering for puzzle book designers: Learn essential patterns for creating engaging puzzles using AI assistance. Progress from basic templates to advanced reasoning techniques with step-by-step examples and practical applications for designing pencil-and-paper puzzles.

PDF Link affiliate link? Yes

Learning Resources: Newsletter (Everyone)

Mitchell's Mind-bending Variety Puzzles

By Mitchell H. Allen

Resource type: Email

A newsletter featuring original puzzles, curated puzzle recommendations, design insights, AI experiments, and project updates. Get free puzzles and behind-the-scenes perspectives on puzzle creation. Published occasionally.

HTML Link affiliate link? No

Learning Resources: Online Courses (Advanced)

Advanced Prompt Engineering for Everyone

By Dr. Jules White

Resource type: Video

Advanced prompt engineering course exploring broad applications beyond basics. Dr. Jules White delivers engaging instruction on generalized prompting techniques. Access additional courses from same instructor. Requires free Coursera account.

N/A Link affiliate link? No

Learning Resources: Online Courses (Beginner)

Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT

By Dr. Jules White

Resource type: Video

A free course where I first learned prompt engineering, establishing core concepts and effective patterns for LLM prompting. Perfect foundation for beginners. Requires free Coursera account.

N/A Link affiliate link? No

Learning Resources: Online Courses (Everyone)

Puzzle Book Domination

By Keith Wheeler

Resource type: Website

Step-by-step guide for creating print-ready puzzles in PowerPoint. Learn to design and export puzzles in formats compatible with publishing software. Multiple puzzle types covered. Perfect for designers seeking efficient puzzle production tools.

HTML Link affiliate link? Yes

Learning Resources: Video Tutorials (Intermediate)

Elaine Giles' YouTube Channel

By Elaine Giles

Resource type: Video

Learn Affinity software through Elaine's tutorials, from quick solution-focused guides to detailed technique demonstrations. Her videos teach both essential tools and advanced design methods.

MP4 Link affiliate link? No

Learning Resources: Web Tutorials (Intermediate)

How to Solve Logic Puzzles

By PuzzleBaron.com

Resource type: Website

Comprehensive tutorial for solvers will help you design better clues for logic grid puzzles.

HTML Link affiliate link? No

How to Solve Number Logic Puzzles

By ConceptisPuzzles.com

Resource type: Website

This website is chock full of instructional articles to help you solve puzzles like Skyscrapers, Hashiwokakero and other number logic puzzles. See samples, rules, tutorials, solving techniques and tips. You become a better designer with this knowledge. Bonus: play these puzzles online!

HTML Link affiliate link? No

Software Tools: AI Tools (Everyone)

Promptopia - Your Personal Prompt Library

By Mitchell H. Allen

Resource type: Online Tool

Browser-based prompt library for storing and managing LLM prompts. Features: add, edit, delete, copy to clipboard, tags, categories, multiple views, sorting, and filtering. Includes starter prompts. IMPORTANT: Export regularly for backup—data stored in browser only.

HTML Link affiliate link? No

Software Tools: Downloadable Software (Intermediate)

Crossword Compiler for Windows

By Antony Lewis

Resource type: Software

Professional puzzle compilation software for crosswords, Sudoku, word search, and kriss-kross puzzles. Export in multiple formats compatible with publishing software. Create print-ready puzzles with professional tools. Free trial available.

EXE Link affiliate link? Yes

WordWeb

By Antony Lewis

Resource type: Software

Offline word database with pattern matching, ideal for puzzle construction. Includes dictionary, thesaurus, and anagram tools. Customize with your own definitions. Available for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

EXE Link affiliate link? Yes

Software Tools: Online Applications (Advanced)

Boggle Solver 4x4

By dcode.fr

Resource type: Online Tool

Verify your Boggle-style puzzle designs with complete word lists. Ensure no unexpected solutions in your grids, supporting both standard and 5x5 sizes. Note: Results may include proper nouns and non-standard words. Multiple dictionaries available. Includes additional word-finding tools.

N/A Link affiliate link? No

Software Tools: Online Applications (Everyone)

Internet Anagram Server

By wordsmith.org

Resource type: Online Tool

A puzzle designer's secret weapon: Advanced anagram generator for complex phrases. Process long text to discover intricate anagram possibilities. Export results for detailed analysis. Direct access to advanced features optimized for puzzle design.

HTML Link affiliate link? No

Logic Puzzle Mastery

By Ken Bluttman

Resource type: Website

Create logic puzzle grids with custom categories. The software builds most puzzle types automatically, while grid puzzles need manual clue creation. Includes clue writing tutorials. Designed for puzzle crafters who want practical puzzle-making tools.

HTML Link affiliate link? Yes