Play Nonograms Online

Free nonogram puzzles (also called Picross, Griddlers, or Hanjie) — pick a grid size and start solving. No account needed.

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What Are Nonograms?

Nonograms are logic puzzles played on a grid. Each row and column has a set of number clues that tell you how many consecutive cells to fill in, and in what order. By cross-referencing the row and column clues, you logically deduce which cells are filled and which are empty — revealing a hidden pattern.

The genre goes by many names: Picross (Nintendo's brand name), Griddlers, Hanjie, Paint by Numbers, and Pic-a-Pix. The rules are identical regardless of the name — and they've been a favourite of puzzle fans since the late 1980s.

How to Play Nonograms

If you're new to nonograms, here's how the game works:

  1. Read the clues. Each row and column has a sequence of numbers. For example, a row clue of 3 1 means there's a group of 3 filled cells, then at least one empty cell, then a group of 1 filled cell.
  2. Fill cells. Tap or click a cell to fill it (shown in blue). Tap a filled cell again to clear it.
  3. Mark empties. Switch to Mark mode (✕) to flag cells you've determined must be empty. This is optional but very helpful on larger grids.
  4. Use logic, not guessing. Every puzzle on this page can be solved purely with logical deduction — no trial-and-error needed. Start with the rows and columns that have the biggest clues.
  5. Win! The puzzle is complete when all the correct cells are filled. You don't need to mark every empty cell.

Nonogram Strategy Tips

1. Start With the Longest Clues

Look for clues that take up most of the row or column. A clue of 8 on a 10-cell line means the block can only shift two positions — so the middle 6 cells are guaranteed to be filled. This "overlap" technique is the foundation of nonogram solving.

2. Use the Full-Line Rule

If a line's clues add up to the line length (including the mandatory gaps between groups), the entire line is determined. For example, 3 3 on a 7-cell line can only be ■■■ ☐ ■■■.

3. Eliminate Impossible Cells

Once you know a cell must be empty, mark it with ✕. This reduces the possibilities for every line it belongs to, which often unlocks new deductions. Marking empties is especially valuable on 10×10 and 15×15 puzzles.

4. Work Back and Forth

After solving part of a row, switch to the columns that intersect it. New information in one direction often unlocks progress in the other. Alternate between rows and columns until the puzzle is complete.

5. Watch for Edge Clues

If a cell near the edge of the grid is filled, you can often determine exactly which clue group it belongs to — and therefore how far that group extends. Edge logic is a powerful technique on harder puzzles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nonograms (also called Picross, Griddlers, or Hanjie) are logic puzzles where you use number clues on each row and column to fill in cells on a grid and reveal a hidden pattern. Each clue tells you the length of consecutive filled groups in that line.
Start with the rows and columns that have the largest clues relative to the grid size — these have the most overlap and give you guaranteed filled cells. Then use elimination: mark cells that definitely can't be filled. Work back and forth between rows and columns, using each new piece of information to narrow down the next line.
Yes. "Picross" is Nintendo's brand name for the same type of puzzle. Other names include Griddlers, Hanjie, Paint by Numbers, and Pic-a-Pix. The rules are identical regardless of the name.
Yes! This nonogram game is fully responsive and designed for mobile-first play. Tap to fill cells, use the Mark mode to flag empty cells, and drag across multiple cells for fast input. It works on any modern smartphone browser.
No. Every puzzle generated on this page can be solved using pure logic — no guessing or trial-and-error required. If you're stuck, try looking for rows or columns with large clues, or use the Check button to find any errors in your current solution.

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