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How to Import .puz Files to Klew

Klew·March 18, 2026·3 min read
guidehow-topuz

What is a .puz file?

The .puz format is the standard crossword puzzle file format, used by the New York Times, LA Times, and most major publishers. If you've ever downloaded a crossword puzzle, chances are it was a .puz file.

Klew supports importing .puz files on both iOS and web, so you can solve your favorite puzzles alongside Klew puzzles in one app.

Importing on iOS

Method 1: Files App (Recommended)

  1. Save your .puz file to iCloud Drive or your device's local storage
  2. Open Klew and go to the My Puzzles tab
  3. Tap the + button in the top right
  4. Navigate to your .puz file in the Files picker
  5. The puzzle loads instantly. Start solving!

Method 2: Share Sheet

If you download a .puz file in Safari or receive one via email:

  1. Tap the .puz file to preview it
  2. Tap the Share button
  3. Select Klew from the share sheet
  4. The puzzle is added to your library

Method 3: Drag and Drop (iPad)

On iPad, you can drag .puz files directly from Files into Klew using Split View or Slide Over.

Importing on Web

Single File

  1. Go to klew.app/construct and sign in
  2. Open any puzzle in the editor
  3. Click Import in the top toolbar
  4. Select your .puz file

Batch Import (Multiple Files)

Perfect for importing your entire collection:

  1. Go to klew.app/construct
  2. Drag and drop multiple .puz files onto the drop zone at the top of the Drafts section
  3. Each file is parsed and saved as a draft
  4. Review and publish each one when ready

Where to Find .puz Files

Free Sources

  • Crosshare: Download the .puz file from any puzzle page (click More → Download .puz)
  • Constructor blogs: Many indie constructors offer .puz downloads
  • Archive.org: Historical crossword collections

Power Users: xword-dl

xword-dl is a command-line tool that downloads crossword puzzles from various online sources as .puz files.

pip install xword-dl
xword-dl nyt      # Download today's NYT crossword
xword-dl lat      # Download today's LA Times

Note: Some sources may require a subscription. Always respect publishers' terms of service.

Supported Features

When you import a .puz file, Klew preserves:

  • Grid layout: all black squares, grid dimensions
  • Solution letters: the answer key
  • Clues: all across and down clues
  • Title and author: puzzle metadata
  • Notes: constructor's notes (if included in the file)
  • Copyright: attribution info

Tips

  • Organize with iCloud: create a "Crosswords" folder in iCloud Drive for easy access
  • Batch import on web: if you have a large collection, the web batch import is the fastest way to get them all in
  • Marketplace vs local: imported puzzles show a "Local" badge in your library, while Klew puzzles show "Klew"

Have questions about importing? Reach out at support@klew.app.