How to Play a Nonogram
To play this nonogram puzzle game, read the numbers beside each row and above each column as blocks of filled cells, in order, with at least one empty between blocks. Fill cells you know are black, mark empties with X, and stop when every clue matches and a picture appears — no guessing on a well-made board.
The rules in 4 steps
- Each number is the length of one block of filled squares.
- Blocks run left-to-right (rows) or top-to-bottom (columns), in the order listed.
- Leave at least one empty square between two blocks on the same line.
- Cross-check rows and columns until only one picture fits all the clues.
What the numbers mean
A clue of 3 1 on a row means: a block of three filled cells, then a gap of one or more empties, then a single filled cell. A clue of 0 means the whole line stays empty. A clue equal to the line length (for example 5 on a 5×5) fills the entire line at once.
On desktop
- Click or drag to paint black squares in Fill mode.
- Right-click, or switch to Mark X, to mark squares you have proved empty.
- Undo, Redo, Auto, and an optional Hint (unranked).
- Arrow keys move the selection, handy on large boards.
On mobile
- Tap to fill in Fill mode.
- Long-press a square to mark an X without switching tools.
- Or tap Mark X in the toolbar first, then tap squares to mark empties.
- Use zoom if the clues feel tight on big grids.
Your first puzzle: Easy 5x5
Open the Easy Nonogram game (or the home Play board). Start with any line whose clue equals 5 — paint the whole line. Mark obvious empties with X, then look at crossing columns. When the board flashes complete, you have finished your first picture.
Beginner Nonogram 5×5 Daily Nonogram
FAQ
Is a Nonogram the same as Picross?
Same puzzle. Picross is Nintendo brand name; we use Nonogram as the generic term.
Do I have to guess?
No. Every board here is generated with one logical answer. Stuck usually means you missed a line.
Where do I learn advanced tricks?
Once the rules click, read How to solve and Strategies in the Guides menu.