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How to Play Nonograms

Nonograms (also known as picross, griddlers, hanjie or paint-by-numbers) are picture logic puzzles on a rectangular grid. Along the left edge of every row and the top edge of every column you will find clues: numbers that describe the runs of consecutive filled cells in that line, in order, with at least one empty cell between runs. For example, the clue [3, 1] on a row means somewhere in that row there is a run of exactly three filled cells, then one or more empty cells, then a single filled cell.

The goal is to work out which cells are filled and which are empty. When you have finished, the filled cells form a picture, often a small icon, animal or object. Solving is a pure deduction process: each clue narrows what is possible in its line, and every cell you settle narrows the crossing clues, until the whole grid is forced. A well-formed nonogram never requires guessing.

Step-by-Step: Solving a Nonogram

  1. Read the clues for a row. The numbers give the lengths of consecutive filled runs in that row, from left to right.
  2. Find forced cells. If the clues plus mandatory gaps are almost as long as the row, some cells are filled no matter how the blocks are arranged. Fill them.
  3. Mark proven empties with an X. Cells that cannot belong to any block arrangement should be crossed out so you stop considering them.
  4. Move to the columns crossing the cells you just changed and repeat the same deductions top-to-bottom.
  5. Keep alternating between rows and columns. Each settled cell tightens the perpendicular clues until the entire picture is revealed.

Nonogram Tips & Techniques

  • Start with the largest clues. A row of 10 cells with the clue [7] always has at least 4 cells you can fill immediately, wherever the block ends up.
  • Count the slack. For a clue list, add up the blocks plus one gap per extra block; the difference from the row length tells you how far any block can slide.
  • Cross out what you prove is empty. Marking X on cells that cannot be filled is just as valuable as filling cells: it shrinks the search space for the crossing clues.
  • Work the intersections. After every deduction in a row, re-read the column clues that cross the cells you just changed; nonograms are solved by ping-ponging between rows and columns.
  • Watch the struck-through clues. A clue line that is fully satisfied should be marked empty for the rest of the solve, so you stop re-checking it.

Ready to practice on a real puzzle?

Play today’s nonograms Unlimited nonograms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nonogram?

A nonogram is a logic puzzle in which you reconstruct a hidden picture on a grid using number clues. Each number describes a run of consecutive filled cells in a row or column. Nonograms are also widely known as picross, griddlers, hanjie, paint-by-numbers and cross pixels.

Are nonograms and picross the same thing?

Yes, picross is simply the best-known brand name for the nonogram format, popularized by Nintendo puzzle games. The rules are identical: number clues describe runs of filled cells, and the solution forms a picture. Picross is a Nintendo trademark, so we use the generic name nonogram.

How do I solve a nonogram puzzle?

Start with the longest clues, which force cells in their rows and columns. Fill cells that must be part of every valid arrangement, cross out cells that cannot be filled, and alternate between rows and columns as each deduction tightens the crossing clues. Every puzzle on this site is solvable with this method alone.

What do the numbers on the side and top mean?

Each number is the length of one run of consecutive filled cells in that line. Multiple numbers mean multiple runs, in order, separated by at least one empty cell. A line with no numbers must be entirely empty.

Do I ever need to guess?

No. Every nonogram generated here is verified by a solver before publication: it must have exactly one solution and be reachable by step-by-step line logic. If you are stuck, there is always a deduction you have not exploited yet. Try the clue with the least slack.

Can I print these nonogram puzzles?

Yes. Every daily nonogram has a print-ready page with a clean grid, the full clue set and the answer at the bottom. You can print today’s puzzle or any puzzle from the monthly archive.

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