How to Create Your First Sudoku Puzzle

What is Sudoku?

A Sudoku puzzle is a 9×9 grid made up of nine 3×3 boxes. The goal is to fill the grid so that:

Each row contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.
Each column contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.
Each 3×3 box (called a “block” or “region”) also contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.

Why do Sudoku?

Sodoku has universal Appeal as it is language-neutral, making it accessible to a global audience. It’s great for mental exercise especially excellent for improving logical thinking and concentration.

There is an adjustable difficulty from beginner grids with plenty of starting numbers to challenging puzzles that require advanced strategies. Sudoku caters to all skill levels.

Steps to Craft a Sudoku using Software

I recommend using The Sudoku Generator from bowespublishing. gumroad. Com.

With it you select a Grid Size. The majority of the Sudokus I create are the standard 9×9 as they are aimed at adults. Smaller grids like 4×4 or 6×6 are used for kids and beginners.

To design the puzzle The Sudoku Generator ensures that each row, column, and 3×3 box contains the numbers 1–9 without repetition.

Using the Sudoku Generator produced by Bowes Publishing allows me to produce sudokus at five different levels from Easy to Insane. I can save them as png, jpg pdf or even svg format.

Here’s a Sudoku from The Sidmouth Pocket Puzzle Book produced using The Sudoku Generator at an easy difficulty:

Always test for solvability. It’s vital to double-check that the puzzle has a single, logical solution. Yet again, the Generator does it for you! And here’s the solution to that easy puzzle from The Sidmouth Pocket Puzzle Book:

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Sudoku Puzzle Manually

Step 1: Start with a blank 9×9 grid

In the Resources section of Devon Puzzles you will find all sorts of blank grids. Amongst them are a collection of 4×4, 6×6 and 9×9 Sudoku templates.

Step 2: Create a Complete Solution Grid

This is the most time-consuming part of a manually created puzzle, but very satisfying. You’re going to fill in the entire grid with numbers 1 to 9 so that it follows all Sudoku rules. You can do this either:

By hand (which requires patience), or
Use a base pattern technique (explained below) to make it easier.

Option A: Fill the grid by logic manually

You can start with a number in the first row (e.g., 1 to 9 in order) and then slowly fill in the next rows, shifting numbers and making sure each row, column, and block has all numbers 1 to 9 without duplicates. This takes time and skill, so instead, here’s an easier technique.

Option B: Use a Base Pattern Method

Example: Simple Base Pattern

Start with this pattern in Row 1:
1 2 3 | 4 5 6 | 7 8 9

Now shift the numbers in a pattern as you go down:

Row 2: Shift by 3 → 4 5 6 | 7 8 9 | 1 2 3
Row 3: Shift by 3 → 7 8 9 | 1 2 3 | 4 5 6
Row 4: Shift by 1 → 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 | 8 9 1
Row 5: Shift by 3 → 5 6 7 | 8 9 1 | 2 3 4
Row 6: Shift by 3 → 8 9 1 | 2 3 4 | 5 6 7
Row 7: Shift by 1 → 3 4 5 | 6 7 8 | 9 1 2
Row 8: Shift by 3 → 6 7 8 | 9 1 2 | 3 4 5
Row 9: Shift by 3 → 9 1 2 | 3 4 5 | 6 7 8

You now have a valid Sudoku solution grid!

Step 3: Mix it Up (Optional, for variety)

To avoid every puzzle looking the same, you can:

Swap two rows within the same 3-row group.
Swap two columns within the same 3-column group.
Swap numbers (e.g., switch all 1s with 5s).
Transpose the grid (flip rows and columns).

This keeps the solution valid but makes it look unique.

Step 4: Remove Numbers to Create a Puzzle

Now the fun begins—you’re going to make the puzzle by removing numbers from the solution, leaving behind clues.

Start by erasing numbers carefully, one by one, while checking that:

The puzzle still has only one unique solution. You can do this manually or using a Sudoku solver tool.
It’s solvable by logic, not guessing.

Some puzzlers like to remove numbers symmetrically for aesthetic appeal, by removing numbers symmetrically around the centre of the grid.

Start with an easy puzzle: remove about 36 to 40 numbers, leaving 41 to 45 numbers on the grid.

As you get more confident, you can try removing more numbers to make harder puzzles. Harder puzzles have fewer clues. 17 is said to be the minimum for a unique solution.

Step 5: Test Your Puzzle

Before sharing your puzzle, solve it yourself or ask someone to try it. Ensure:

It’s solvable by logic.
It has a unique solution (very important!).

If you’re unsure whether your puzzle has one solution, you can use a free online solver (see below) to check.

PipsTips for Beginners

Use pencil and eraser—it’s trial and error at first.
Start with easy puzzles and gradually try removing more numbers.
Keep a master copy of your full solution grid for checking.
Consider printing several blank grids and making a few variations.
Ensure the grid is bold, big and clear enough for easy readability.
Provide a Guide: Include instructions or solving tips for beginners or some starting tips.
If you’re compiling puzzles into a book then include a Variety of Levels. Offer easy, medium, and hard puzzles in your book.
If you’re putting puzzles into a book, the vary the difficulty by gradually increase the challenge level to keep solvers engaged as they progress through your book.

Helpful Tools & Links

Sudoku Generators Software

The Sudoku Generator

Recommended. From Bowespublishing – Full commercial rights for a very powerful tool for creating sudokus of all difficulty levels.

Website: bowespublishing.gumroad. com/

Krazydad Sudoku

Generate high-quality Sudoku puzzles for free, with options for different levels and grid sizes. Other puzzles available.

Website: krazydad.com

SudokuToDo

Recommended. A good looking online Sudoku generator that offers 4×4 and 9×9 grids, levels from Easy to Evil and bulk download options and plenty of other kinds of Sudoku puzzles. You will need to contact the website if you plan to sell the generated Sudokus.

Website: sudokutodo.com

SudokuStudio

A professional-grade Sudoku generator that offers advanced features like solving algorithms and puzzle analysis.

Website: www.sudokustudio.com

Free Colouring Pages

All our Free Colouring Pages are carefully edited by human hands for your enjoyment. Click on any of the colouring pages and download them onto your computer. Each coloring page can be printed out on your printer at A4 size.

East Devon Cosy Mysteries

Enjoy Cosy Mysteries ? Then head over to eastdevoncosymysteries.com and discover Frank and Ella Raleigh’s escapades as they solve cosy mysteries in the East Devon area. Start with Cidered in Sidmouth.