Learn Nonograms
How to Play Nonograms
- Read clues left to right for rows and top to bottom for columns.
- Each number gives the length of one filled run. Separate runs with at least one empty cell.
- Tap to cycle a cell through filled, X and blank. Use X for confirmed empty cells.
- Compare both directions: every filled cell must fit its row and its column.
- Finish when all row and column runs match their clues. The Lines score shows how many lines match.
Nonograms Strategy
A five-cell row with a clue of 3
A run of three can occupy only these positions. Here # means filled and . means empty in a possible completed row.
###.. .###. ..###
The middle cell is filled in every row, so you can fill it without guessing. The other cells differ between placements: leave them undecided until another clue gives you more information.
Use complete lines and the required gaps
A clue of 5 fills a five-cell row completely. A clue of 2 2 also fixes a five-cell row: two filled cells, one empty cell, then two filled cells. The gap is part of the reasoning.
Cross-check rows and columns
After each certain mark, check the clue in the other direction. A filled cell from a row can limit a column; a confirmed X can stop a run extending too far. Mark remaining cells X only when you know they are empty.
Understand an explained move
Explain Move shows the line, its clues and why a cell is filled or empty in every remaining placement. Read the explanation, then choose Apply or Continue. If a line has no valid placement, recheck your marks or use Undo in the explanation window.
The helper reasons about one line at a time. Some larger puzzles need another technique; a missing explanation does not mean the puzzle has no solution. For illustrated examples, read the Nonograms rules and solving guide.
Choose a Picture Puzzle
The collection has 103 fixed puzzles across four grid sizes. Easy is 5×5, Medium 10×10, Hard 15×15 and Expert 20×20. New Puzzle moves through pictures in the selected group; the six beginner practice pictures teach complete lines, gaps, overlap and crossing clues.
Some clue sets allow more than one valid picture. This game checks the row and column clues, so a valid alternative counts as a solution. A difficulty label selects a size, rather than promising every puzzle needs the same solving technique.
Your current puzzle and best time save on this device when browser storage is available. Practice has a separate save. Exit leaves your marks in place; the red sticker returns you to the board.
Nonograms FAQ
Are Nonograms and Picross the same kind of puzzle?
Yes. Both names describe picture logic puzzles in which number clues give the lengths of filled runs. This game is also a form of griddler or Japanese crossword.
How do I read a clue such as 3 1?
Fill a run of three cells, leave at least one empty cell, then fill a run of one. Runs appear in the same order as the clues. Any other cells in that line stay empty.
How do I fill, cross out or clear a cell?
Tap a cell once to fill it, again to mark it X, and a third time to clear it. X is a note for an empty cell; blank cells may be undecided. The first tap on the page opens the game without making a move.
Which grid sizes can I play?
Easy uses 5×5 grids, Medium 10×10, Hard 15×15 and Expert 20×20. Difficulty changes the grid size; after a mark, you confirm before replacing an unfinished puzzle. If the field and clues do not fit, choose a smaller grid or use a larger screen.
What does Explain Move do?
It compares possible placements of one row or column with your marks, then explains a cell shared by every placement. Apply makes the explained mark; Continue leaves the board unchanged. Undo in that window cancels your last change. Explanations are unlimited, but the helper may find no single-line deduction.
Does this game save my puzzle?
Your puzzle, marks and best time for each grid size save in this browser when storage is available. Ordinary play and the six-picture practice save separately. There is no account or cross-device sync.
What does the Lines percentage mean?
It counts rows and columns whose filled runs match their clues. A matching line alone does not prove every cell is correct. You finish when every row and column matches; the game accepts any picture that satisfies all clues.
Can I restart without changing the puzzle?
After a mark, New Puzzle offers Restart for the current picture, Next for another puzzle, and Continue to keep playing. Outside the game, the red sticker opens or returns to your saved puzzle.