Getting started with Crack the Code

Crack the Code is a web app, so there’s nothing to install. Open crackthecode.bearwoodlabs.com and you’re always on the current version. There’s no update to run.

Note

The app starts in demo mode, where you can build and preview a worksheet for free. A license key unlocks export on that device.

1. Go to crackthecode.bearwoodlabs.com.
2. Build your code key: choose numbers, text, or uploaded images as the symbol for each letter.
3. Add one or more secret message blocks for students to decode.
4. Adjust the message layout, size, spacing, and alignment, and the code key’s rows and layout.
5. Preview the student worksheet and the answer key.
6. Export the pages for printing, or export to PowerPoint to keep customizing in PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides.

If you have a license key from a previous purchase, enter it in the app’s license section to unlock export. No repurchase needed.

Use a letter outside the standard alphabet

If you need a character the standard A-Z code key doesn’t cover, like ñ, go to Code Key → Advanced and add a custom alphabet that includes it.

Export to PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides

Export produces a standard PowerPoint (.pptx) file, so you can keep customizing your worksheet in PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides, or LibreOffice after exporting from the app.

For licensing and export questions, see the FAQ & fixes page.