When you first start the program, you will be presented with a blank grid, which can be rather intimidating. To get started, you may wish to open a pre-existing example. Try Clicking on File, then Open, double-click on the Examples directory, and choose one of the example crosswords - the puzz0001.xwd file is a good example, as it includes both cryptic and straight clues. Note that puzz0002.xwd is protected with a password of password.

The standard pool file can be loaded by clicking on the Pool menu, then the Open option, and then from the Examples subdirectory, choosing the pool.xpl file.

The standard word list file can be loaded by clickin on the Word List menu, then the Open option, and then from the Lexicon subdirectory (you may have to move back a directory first), choose either the full.lex or abridged.lex file.