Nonogram - Picture Logic Puzzle
How to play: Numbers above each column and to the left of each row tell you HOW MANY consecutive cells must be FILLED in that line, in order. Multiple groups are separated by gaps of at least 1 empty cell. Left-click a cell to fill it. Right-click (or shift-click) to mark it as definitely empty (X). Use logic to deduce which cells must be filled. Solve by getting the unique pattern that satisfies ALL row and column clues.
About Nonogram (Picross)
Nonograms (also called Picross, Hanjie, Griddlers, or Paint by Numbers) are picture-logic puzzles invented independently by Japanese editor Non Ishida and graphics editor Tetsuya Nishio in 1987. The premise is delightfully simple: a grid with numbers down each column and across each row tells you how many cells must be filled in that line, in order. Use logic to deduce the unique pattern that satisfies every clue. The reward at the end is a hidden picture revealed by the filled cells.
Our online version ships with 6 puzzles ranging from 5×5 to 10×10, with both fill and X-mark cells, error checking, and live timer.
How to Play
- The numbers above each COLUMN tell you how many consecutive cells must be filled top-to-bottom in that column. Multiple groups (like 3, 2) mean a run of 3 filled, then at least 1 empty, then a run of 2 filled.
- The numbers to the LEFT of each ROW work the same way for left-to-right.
- Left-click a cell to fill it (black). Click again to unfill.
- Right-click (or shift-click) to mark a cell as definitely empty (red X).
- Use logic to figure out which cells MUST be filled — the puzzle has a unique solution.
- Solve by filling exactly the right cells. The puzzle auto-detects when you’ve matched the solution.
- Click Check to count how many cells are wrong (without telling you which ones).
Strategy Tips
- Start with edge clues. A row of length 10 with clue 8 must have at least 6 cells in the middle filled regardless of where the 8-block starts.
- Mark X early. When you know a cell is empty, mark it with X so you don’t waste time considering it.
- Cross-reference rows and columns. A cell that’s forced filled by both row and column logic is a guaranteed move.
- Look for forced gaps. Numbers like 1, 1, 1 in a 5-column line completely determine all 5 cells: filled-empty-filled-empty-filled.
- Count the total. The sum of clues + minimum gaps tells you the line’s used length. If it equals the line width, every cell is determined.
- Don’t guess. Good Nonograms are pure logic. If you’re guessing you’re missing a deduction.
A Brief History
Non Ishida won a 1987 competition with a puzzle she called “Window Art Puzzles” — grids forming pictures when solved. The same year, Tetsuya Nishio independently created “Logic Mind” puzzles. Magazine syndication spread them globally as “Nonograms” (a portmanteau of Non’s name + diagram). The 1995 Nintendo Game Boy game “Mario’s Picross” introduced them to a generation of gamers as Picross, and the format has appeared on every Nintendo handheld since.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the order of numbers in a clue mean?
The numbers are read in the same direction as the line. “3 1 2” in a row means: 3 filled cells, then at least one empty, then 1 filled cell, then at least one empty, then 2 filled cells — in that exact order from left to right.
What happens between groups?
At least one empty cell must separate consecutive groups. There can be more empty cells if needed to fit the line.
Can a row have all empty cells?
Yes. A row with clue “0” means the whole row is empty.
Why is X useful?
Marking cells as definitely-empty narrows the possibilities for OTHER cells in the same row/column. It’s a memory aid that often unlocks deductions.
Are there always unique solutions?
Yes — a well-formed Nonogram has exactly one solution. All puzzles in our pack are uniquely solvable.
How does Check work?
Click Check to see how many cells are currently wrong (filled when they shouldn’t be, or empty when they should be). It doesn’t tell you WHICH cells are wrong — you have to find them.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes. Tap to fill, long-press or shift-tap to mark X. The grid scales to your screen.
What if I make a mistake?
Click filled cells to unfill them, or use Reset to clear the puzzle. There’s no undo, but Reset always works.