How to Solve Nonograms
A complete beginner's guide to solving nonogram puzzles. Learn the techniques that will help you reveal any hidden picture.
What Are Nonograms?
Nonograms are logic puzzles that go by many names: Picross, Griddlers, Hanjie, or Paint by Numbers. The goal is simple: fill in cells on a grid to reveal a hidden picture.
Each row and column has a set of numbers called clues. These clues tell you how many consecutive cells to fill in. For example, a clue of "3 2" means there's a group of 3 filled cells, then at least one empty cell, then a group of 2 filled cells.
The beauty of nonograms is that they require pure logic—no guessing needed! Every puzzle has exactly one solution that can be found through deduction.
Basic Rules
Read the Clues
Numbers at the start of each row and top of each column tell you how many cells to fill.
Groups Must Be Separated
Multiple numbers mean multiple groups, each separated by at least one empty cell.
Use X Marks
Mark cells you know are empty with an X. This helps you track what's left to fill.
Never Guess
Every cell can be determined through logic. If you're stuck, look for a different clue.
Essential Solving Techniques
1. Start with Complete Lines
Look for rows or columns where the clue equals the line length. A clue of "10" on a 10-cell row means every cell is filled. A clue of "0" means every cell is empty.
2. The Overlap Technique
This is the most powerful technique. Imagine sliding the clue groups as far left as possible, then as far right as possible. Any cells that are filled in both positions must be filled.
3. Complete Groups
When a group of filled cells matches a clue number, mark the cells on either side as empty (X). This prevents the group from accidentally growing.
4. Use Cross-Reference
Every cell belongs to both a row and a column. When you fill or mark a cell, check what that tells you about the intersecting line. Progress in one line often unlocks progress in others.
Pro Tips
- •Start with the biggest clues — They have the most overlap and give you the most information.
- •Look for clues that sum to near the line length — "4 4" in a 10-cell row means only 2 cells are empty.
- •Count remaining cells — If you've filled all the cells a line needs, mark the rest as X.
- •Work from edges — Cells at the start or end of a line are often easier to determine.
- •If stuck, scan every line — There's always something you can deduce. Be systematic.
Ready to Practice?
Put your skills to the test with puzzles created by our community, or create your own from any photo!