Nonogram – picture logic puzzles in 5×5, 10×10 and 15×15
Time
0:00
Best
–
Puzzle #1 · Tap or drag to fill
2
3
12
5
4
3
2
22
5
3
Embed this game on your site
Free for blogs, schools, libraries and clubs. Paste this HTML where you want the game to appear; please keep the credit link.
Quick answer
Nonogram is a free picture logic puzzle (also called griddlers or hanjie) that plays instantly in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download, sign-up or ads. Fill the cells so every row and column matches its clue, the lengths of its runs of filled cells in order, to reveal a picture.
Nonogram at a glance
What it is
Picture logic puzzle (also called griddlers or hanjie)
Goal
Fill the cells so every row and column matches its clue, the lengths of its runs of filled cells in order, to reveal a picture
Modes
5×5, 10×10 and 15×15; every puzzle is generated from its number and checked to have one solution reachable without guessing
Controls
Tap or drag to fill, Mark mode or right-click to cross; arrow keys, Space and X; Check highlights mistakes
Players
1
Price
Free, no ads, no sign-up, no download
Works on
Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser
A daily wheel (the same for everyone) and unlimited wheels; ranks from Beginner to Genius
Tap or drag across letters, or type; Enter to submit, Shuffle, Give up
Logic that draws a picture
A nonogram is a grid with numbers along the top and side. Each number is a run of filled cells in that row or column. Work out which cells must be filled and which must stay empty, and a picture appears. Every puzzle here is generated from its number and proved solvable without guessing.
Solving techniques
Overlap. If a run is longer than half the line, part of it is certain. In a line of 10, a run of 7 always covers cells 4 to 7.
Complete lines. When the clue and its gaps fill the whole line (like “5 4” in 10 cells), fill it at once.
Edges. A filled cell next to the edge starts the first run; fill the rest of that run and cross the cell after it.
Cross what is done. When a line’s clue is satisfied, mark the remaining cells empty. They often unlock the crossing lines.
Zero means empty. A clue of 0 means the whole line is empty.
Three sizes
5×5 puzzles take a minute and teach the rules. 10×10 is the classic size. 15×15 puzzles take longer and reward careful marking; the thicker lines every five cells help you count.
How to play Nonogram
1
Read the clues
The numbers beside each row and above each column give the lengths of the runs of filled cells in that line, in order. "3 1" means three filled cells, a gap, then one.
2
Fill what must be filled
Tap or drag to fill cells. Start with big numbers; a run of 4 in a line of 5 always covers the middle three cells.
3
Mark the empty cells
Switch to Mark (or right-click, or press X) to put a cross in cells that must stay empty. Crosses help you see what is left.
4
Finish the picture
Work across rows and columns until every clue is satisfied. Clues turn grey when their line is complete. Check shows any mistakes in red.
Spell as many words as you can from seven letters. Daily wheel, unlimited play and ranks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I ever have to guess?
+
No. Every puzzle is checked by a solver that works line by line, so it has exactly one solution and can always be finished with logic alone.
What is the difference between Fill and Mark?
+
Fill colours a cell in; Mark puts a cross in a cell you know is empty. Only filled cells count for the solution, so crosses are just notes for yourself.
How do I play on a phone?
+
Tap a cell to fill it, or drag along a row or column to fill several at once; the stroke stays in its line. Switch to Mark to drag crosses instead.
What does Check do?
+
Check highlights in red every filled cell that should be empty and every crossed cell that should be filled. It does not give the answer away.
Can I share a puzzle?
+
Yes. Each puzzle has a number, and the page address includes the size and number, so a copied link opens the same puzzle for a friend.
Are nonograms the same as griddlers or hanjie?
+
Yes. Nonograms are also known as griddlers, hanjie, paint by numbers and picture cross puzzles. The rules are the same.
Like logic puzzles?
Sudoku has four levels, each puzzle with exactly one solution and no guessing needed.