All about PUZ Files

The PUZ file type is primarily associated with Across Lite.

PUZ	File extension: PUZ
	File type:	crossword puzzle data

What is a PUZ file?

PUZ files mostly belong to Across Lite by Literate. PUZZ or PUZ files fall in two categories: game data and compressed files. Compressed files use encoding algorithms to compress one or multiple files into smaller archives in size. Game data usually contain graphic and sound assets used by a game or application.

Game files: PUZZ files contain electronic crossword puzzles. They're available to play or print on different Across Lite software. These files contain one single crossword puzzle to be filled out by the user. PUZZ files are primarily provided by different publications such as the New York Times, etc. They're given as free bonus features and download content for premium subscribers. Their filename typically contains the date of publishing. for example, apr0911-4.puz.
Compressed files: The PUZZ compression format is used by Microsoft Publisher's Pack and Go Wizard. These files are compressed publications converted into a standard Publisher document to make transferring it to different devices easier. These files can only be opened and read using Microsoft Unpack and are accessible only on Windows based systems.

How to open a PUZ file

You need a suitable software like Across Lite to open a PUZ file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your PUZ file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PUZ file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online PUZ Text Viewer

Choose your .puz file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from PUZ files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from PUZ file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online PUZ File Viewer:

To do this, click the button "Choose your .puz file to view" on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert PUZ files:

Across Lite by Literate
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PUZ files are often referred to as Across Lite games because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
BrainsBreaker
Crossword Solver (crossword puzzle data) by WordWeb
Crossword Solver is an application for solving crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, and word searches. Alongside other formats, the program can also solve PUZ files, which are binary files for crossword puzzles. PUZ files are the native crossword puzzle format for the Across Lite application, and is used by several publishers, including The New York Times. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Crossword Solver Puzzle Packs
Publisher (compressed archive file) by Microsoft
Publisher is a desktop publishing application from Microsoft and a part of the Office software suite. PUZ is a Packed Publisher file. It is a compressed archive that has a CAB (Cabinet) file format and contains all the data needed to create a publication. A program named Unpack.exe, which unpacks PUZ files, is bundled with it. This file format is classified as Compressed. Related links: Publisher on Wikipedia, Pack and Go Guide for PUZ (Publisher) File, PUZ (Publisher) File, Cabinet File Format, Unpack Using WinZip
Puzzle

Technical Data for PUZ File Extension

File classification:

Game

Related files:

puzz, puzzle, pdf, ejp, bbrkpuzzle

Mime type:

application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: puzfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\HoltPuzzlePro\PuzzlePlayer\Holt PuzzlePro Player.exe %1

ProgramID: Across.Puzzle
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Litsoft\ACROSS~1.0\acrossl.exe %1

ProgramID: Inertia.JigsawMania
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Jigsaw Mania\Jigsaw Mania.exe %1

ProgramID: BrainsBreaker_Puzzle
EXEFile: e:\strategy\bbrk\bbrk.exe

Show all 4 listings To Top

a puz crossword puzzle data is a special file format by Literate and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PUZ files

Associate the PUZ file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open crossword puzzle data files. Because only the current version supports the latest PUZ file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Literate manufacturer website after an available Across Lite update.
To make sure that your PUZ file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .PUZ file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.