Convert PUZ Files Using Perl-Script

[exterran]

This is a tip for crossword puzzle fans who would like to download and print crossword puzzles having the PUZ extension. There is a way to do this without using "Across Lite" proprietary software, or other software that requires the installation of Gnomeprint libraries for printing.

The solution is a perl-language script written by Beth Skwarecki, and available at:

http://loxosceles.org/antics/crossword_display/

First, download the script, then rename it to give it the PL extension. You can give the script any filename you choose; I renamed the script, "crossword.pl". Make a directory named:

/home/your_userID/bin

and put the file in that directory. Make it executable by you as user.

I recommend using the script to convert PUZ files to PDF files. To do this, you will need to install the "ps2pdf" package. The command-line usage is then:

Code:

crossword.pl -P my.puz | ps2pdf - my.pdf

when you have changed to the directory where your PUZ files are stored.

To conserve ink or toner, I am sure you will want to edit the black squares in the puzzles to a light gray color. GIMP can be used to do this, as it can import PDF files. Those PDF files can be further converted to GIF images, if you wish, then be printed directly from GIMP.

A good source of free PUZ files is:

http://www.chron.com/apps/games/xword/puzzles/


My results converting PUZ files from the above source have been excellent, far better than pages produced by "Across Lite", when I used it years ago under Mandriva Free 2007.0.

[exterran]

Glad you enjoyed the PUZ-conversion tip. I was particularly impressed by the author of the script, who claims to have conceived it during a bout with insomnia. That is a mark of true brilliance. My personal bouts of insomnia usually just bring on thoughts of milk and cookies.