How to play Nonogram
A Nonogram is a picture hidden in a grid. The numbers are your only clues.
- Each number is a run of filled squares in that row or column. "3 1" means three filled squares in a row, a gap of at least one, then one more, in that order.
- Fill the squares you're sure of. Tap, or drag across several.
- Cross out squares that must stay empty. Switch to Cross. Crosses are only notes to help you.
- When every clue is satisfied, the picture appears.
In a 5-wide row, a clue of 5 fills it completely, and "1 1 1" can only go one way. Spotting rows like these is the best way to start.
Tips
- Big numbers first. In a 10-wide row, a 7 must cover the middle four squares wherever it sits. Fill those.
- Add it up. If the clues plus the gaps between them fill the line exactly ("4 5" in a 10-wide row), there's only one way to place them.
- Cross out finished lines. When a row's clue is complete, it turns grey. Cross the rest of that row.
- Go back and forth. Every square you fill in a row is a new clue for its column.
More in the how to play guide and the solving techniques.
Three sizes every day
Mini 5×5 takes a minute and suits kids. Classic 10×10 hides a little picture: a kite, a diya, a cup of chai. Big 15×15 is a pattern puzzle for when you want a longer think. Every puzzle can be solved one line at a time, without guessing.
Questions
Is this the same as Picross or Griddlers?
Yes. Nonograms go by many names: Picross, Griddlers, Hanjie, Paint by Numbers, Pic-a-Pix. Same rules everywhere.
What if I fill a wrong square?
Nothing happens straight away, just like on paper. Use Undo, or tap the square again to clear it. A hint will also point out a square you can be sure of.
When is the new daily puzzle?
At midnight in your own time zone. Everyone gets the same three puzzles on the same date.
Do I need an app?
No. It runs in your browser on phone or computer. Add it to your home screen if you like. Stats stay on your device.