# Across Lite Crosswords — Gold standard for solvers > Crossword puzzle solver for unlimited online puzzles with advanced features. (iPhone/iPad app by Literate Software.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/across-lite-crosswords/id480513184 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Literate Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/390989293) - Category: Games, Education, Puzzle, Word - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.50/5 from 5,030 App Store ratings · 245 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 28 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-12-21 - Data updated: 2026-09-02 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/across-lite-crosswords/id480513184/reviews.md ## What is Across Lite Crosswords? TL;DR: The app for unlimited solving of crosswords published online for Across Lite by major publishers and renowned authors. Across Lite is hand-crafted with an eye for detail that only people who love both software and crosswords can create. Version 4 is state-of-the-art in features and aesthetics. Since 1995, more crosswords are published for Across Lite than any other format. Loyal users have enjoyed our software for decades. Whether you are a beginner or a fanatical expert, you will be able to enjoy the best in crosswords daily. If you find published puzzles difficult, you can purchase our highly acclaimed trainer crossword series inside the app. INTRODUCTION: Across Lite is the de facto standard for publishing crosswords on the web - from newspapers such as The New York Times to independent authors - free or with subscription. The app includes a set of bookmarks to some of the well-known sources crosswords published for Across Lite. Downloading crosswords into Across Lite is easy. Puzzles can be downloaded and available to solve even when offline. HIGHLIGHTS: People who have used Across Lite on any platform know there is nothing Lite about it. It has more user-friendly and advanced features than any other software out there. In addition to Across Lite signature features that has set the standard such as pen and pencil modes, extensive check and reveal commands, or ink saver for printing, there are ground-breaking features that are much copied but never equaled: - For the traditionalists, the unique Page View mode allows you to view and solve the crossword just like a printed crossword, the closest you can come to solving on paper. The List View provides the conventional computer-like interface for the gamers. But here is the best part - with single taps you can instantaneously switch back and forth between them allowing a type of solving never before possible. Once you get used to solving like this, nothing less will do. - The app contains our original invention - SmartMove™ - which captures a method experts instinctively use to solve in a criss-cross manner leveraging previously entered letters. Use it for a while and you will develop that habit for fast and effective solving. - Because no two solvers are alike, the app provides the most flexible and customizable interfaces. Both left-handed and right-handed people can find a layout that caters to them. UPGRADE: We request serious solvers and those who appreciate our efforts to consider purchasing an upgrade from inside the app. The upgrade enables the following: - An embedded web browser for easy downloading of puzzles - A timer for those who wish to measure themselves. - Ability to enter multiple characters for rebus puzzles. - A unique color and contrast setting feature designed to reduce eye strain from looking at the traditional white background (perhaps because we, at Litsoft, are getting older!). It can be customized to personal tastes and to light conditions, so for example, solving in the dark does not turn you into a lighthouse for your spouse. Just try it out and we are certain that over time you will discover and come to appreciate all the small touches we have embedded in the app. Enjoy! NOTE about availability of crosswords: - This app is a solver for independent crosswords published online in Across Lite format. Other than any crosswords for sale inside the app, it is NOT a supplier of crosswords. - To respect a publishing site's terms of service and to avoid copyright infringement, it does NOT automatically fetch crosswords for you without visiting the site. Doing so is a violation of publisher copyrights and reputable software will not do this. - It does NOT guarantee availability of crosswords from publishers who make their own decisions on availability and access including charging for them on their web sites. If there are any problems with the access to crosswords on any site, please contact the site directly. ## Key features - Unlimited crossword solving - Page View and List View modes - SmartMove™ solving assistance - Customizable interface - Offline puzzle access - Trainer crossword series ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Crosswords You Can Finish | $3.99 | one-time | | Premium upgrade | $4.99 | one-time | | Bogglers and Challenges | $2.99 | one-time | | Learn Crosswords Vol 3 | $1.99 | one-time | | Learn Crosswords Vol 2 | $2.99 | one-time | | Learn Crosswords Vol 1 | $3.99 | one-time | | House Crosswords Vol 1 | $2.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of Across Lite Crosswords? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Easy to use - 👍 Intuitive interface - 🧠 Challenging puzzles - 💡 Customizable settings - 🔓 Free puzzles available - ⏱️ Helpful timer feature **Cons** - 🐛 Bugs and glitches - 💻 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions - 🇺🇸 Too many American-centric clues - 🔑 Rebus/multi-letter support lacking - 🔍 Difficulty finding/downloading puzzles **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes when trying to load certain puzzles - Keyboard not working properly in some cases - Puzzle progress lost when app is closed and reopened **Most requested features** - Ability to switch between across and down focus with double-tap - Keyboard shortcut to advance to next blank square - More puzzle sources beyond just American content - Improved puzzle download and management experience ## Recent user reviews (10 of 245) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/across-lite-crosswords/id480513184/reviews.md ### 5/5 — 7/18/2026 - color gone AGAIN. WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING *2026-07-19, version 4.1.3* I have the IPad Air 11 M2. I should not be having this issue with the color option - seems consistently. For those of you having this issue, it is not the developers fault. Apple has a habit of updating OS to the point where older platforms won't be able to work the same way when an app is modified. I have an older IPad & this is the second app I've had issues with. It's Apple's way to move you to purchase new h/w. Would not open. Removed and tried to download again, still will not open. I see that you are recommending going back to the previous version, but can't do that. Help please. ### 5/5 — Please restore the color option I purchased - Thank You!! *2026-07-11, version 4.1.3* I have the IPad Air 11 M2. I should not be having this issue with the color option - seems consistently. For those of you having this issue, it is not the developers fault. Apple has a habit of updating OS to the point where older platforms won't be able to work the same way when an app is modified. I have an older IPad & this is the second app I've had issues with. It's Apple's way to move you to purchase new h/w. Would not open. Removed and tried to download again, still will not open. I see that you are recommending going back to the previous version, but can't do that. Help please. ### 5/5 — Please restore the color option I purchased - thank you!!! *2026-06-20, version 4.1.3* I have the IPad Air 11 M2. I should not be having this issue with the color option. For those of you having this issue, it is not the developers fault. Apple has a habit of updating OS to the point where older platforms won't be able to work the same way when an app is modified. I have an older IPad & this is the second app I've had issues with. It's Apple's way to move you to purchase new h/w. Would not open. Removed and tried to download again, still will not open. I see that you are recommending going back to the previous version, but can't do that. Help please. ### 4/5 — EDIT Upgrade looks good, doesn't fix anything *2026-06-01, version 4.1.3* EDIT I have upped this to four stars as some bugs and misfeatures have been ironed out. This is really a very very good app. Internal browser doesn’t work, really, but that’s minor. The 4.x upgrade is very pretty. Unfortunately, it adds new annoyances and fails to fix old ones. The biggest problem with this app, since the last upgrade (years ago) is the sensitivity of the letters up and down the sides of the screen. It's practically impossible to select letters reliably without hitting clue text so the cursor jump. This is NOT fixed, though I had hoped it would be. The cursor behavior has changed radically in 4.x, and not for the better. I can't overwrite letters anymore -- the cursor just sticks on an existing letter. I cannot imagine why anyone would desire this behavior. Hitting the advance button used to take you to the next BLANK space (which is useful if you want to solve the puzzle), but now just jumps to the next word, even if it's already filled in. Overall, a good app. But like too many apps nowadays, the "upgrades" tend to move backwards in usability. ### 5/5 — Great *2026-04-21, version 4.1.3* Great ### 5/5 — Big Improvement *2026-03-29, version 4.1.3* This upgrade now seamlessly integrates with iOS, and adds other features to make the solving process easier. ### 3/5 — Occasional duds! *2026-03-06, version 4.1.3* Haven’t seen this in any other reviews but I get a lot of puzzles with the total puzzle “X’d out”. ### 4/5 — No more newspaper smudges! *2026-01-05, version 4.1.3* I love this app. I can find crosswords on line from WSJ, NYT, Chronicle of Higher Learning and more! So user friendly, downloading puzzles from Internet couldn't be easier. ### 5/5 — By Jove, this Fella Bywaters Puzzles are Fun!!! *2025-12-07, version 4.1.3* I am so glad that I found this stash of puzzles by David A. Bywaters, as they are a true delight to play. Only problem is, I play several a day so I’ll run out by next summer. Hopefully he’ll create some more by then. ### 4/5 — Enjoy. *2025-09-18, version 4.1.3* Can anyone explain why the Wall Street Journal puzzle no,longer functions? ## Frequently asked questions about Across Lite Crosswords ### What is Across Lite Crosswords? Across Lite Crosswords is an application designed for solving an unlimited number of crosswords published online in the Across Lite format. It supports puzzles from major publishers and independent authors, allowing users to download and solve them even when offline. ### What are the key features of Across Lite Crosswords? Key features include a unique Page View mode for a paper-like solving experience, a List View for a traditional computer interface, and the ability to switch between them instantly. It also offers SmartMove™ for expert solving assistance, customizable layouts for left and right-handed users, and pen/pencil modes. ### Is Across Lite Crosswords free to use? The app is free to download and use for solving crosswords. However, it offers optional in-app purchases for an upgrade that unlocks advanced features such as an embedded web browser for easier puzzle downloading, a timer, support for rebus puzzles, and customizable color and contrast settings. ### What kind of crosswords can I solve with this app? You can solve crosswords published online in the Across Lite format. This includes puzzles from well-known sources like The New York Times, as well as those from independent authors. Puzzles can be downloaded and solved offline. ### How does the SmartMove™ feature work? SmartMove™ is an original invention that mimics the criss-cross solving method used by experts. It leverages previously entered letters to help you solve puzzles more quickly and effectively. Using it for a while can help you develop this efficient solving habit. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.1.3 — 2020-04-02 Minimum iOS required raised to 11.x, since new updates to the App Store will not run on older (32-bit) iPads with iOS 10 or earlier. People with older iPads should see the last known running version v 4.1 available to them for install. ### 4.1.2 — 2020-03-26 Revert back to 4.1 version due to issues with 4.1.1 update ### 4.1.1 — 2020-03-25 Minor bug fix and graphics refinement ### 4.1 — 2019-12-27 > V4.1 is a minor update release for iOS 13 compatibility and easier download of crosswords + Embedded web browser makes downloading crosswords quick and easy (premium upgrade feature; 30 day trial for free app users) + Drag and drop puzzle files and links on Across Lite in split screen or slide-over to copy into it. + Minor fixes and workarounds for iOS 13 issues + Minor UI enhancements + Fix for included crosswords not shown on first run of app ### 4.0.2 — 2017-12-20 Note: After installing this app, if you find the included sample crosswords missing, restart app by double pressing home button, sliding the app snapshot up to stop it and starting the app again from home screen. All sample crosswords will then become visible. This is only required the first time after you install. Will be fixed in an update. > V4 is a major update that makes any negatives in older reviews moot ... (V4.0.2 is a maintenance release with minor fixes) + iOS 11 compatibility + Choice of 10 layouts that will suit any preference + Refreshed interface for easier content browsing, faster solving and customization + Multiple virtual keyboard choices in both orientations for left-handed and right-handed people + Expanded external keyboard functionality with key shortcuts + Screen optimization for each iPad Pro size + Sharing via AirDrop or Google drive enabled + Ink saver option for printing + Easier batch deletions from puzzle library + PUZ Format V3 with support for clue styling, unicode and emojis + Simplified contrast setting (with premium upgrade) + Smart zooming and scrolling in layouts where grid is only partially visible See "What's New" for complete list in the About Across Lite section of Help Panel ## Apps similar to Across Lite Crosswords | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Crossword](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword/id1061490811) | 4.4 (150) | Free | Games | | [Crossword Light](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-light/id285702231) | 3.0 (54) | Free | Games | | [Crossword Daily: Word Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-daily-word-puzzle/id1328365094) | 4.6 (1,034) | Free | Games | | [Crosswords](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crosswords/id688876601) | 4.4 (574) | Free | Games | | [Classic Crossword Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-crossword-games/id6474239314) | 4.5 (326) | Free | Games | | [Crossword 2024](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-2024/id1466056478) | 4.7 (23) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Literate Software - [Across Crossword Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/across-crossword-trainer/id390989290) All apps by Literate Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/390989293 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*