A Nonogram is a picture logic puzzle. You fill some squares in a grid and leave others blank, using the number clues at the start of each row and column.
The goal is not to guess the picture. The goal is to prove which cells must be filled, which cells must be empty, and slowly reveal the image through logic.
Each row and column clue tells you the lengths of filled blocks in that line.
If a clue has two numbers, there must be at least one empty cell between those filled groups.
Crosses or dots are as useful as filled squares because they stop groups spreading too far.
Nonogram Rules
Every number clue describes a run of consecutive filled cells. A clue of 5 means five filled cells together. A clue of 2 3 means two filled cells, at least one empty cell, then three filled cells.
Rows and columns must both be satisfied. A cell is filled only when it works with its row clue and its column clue.
| Puzzle part | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Filled cell | Part of the hidden picture. | A block of 4 needs four filled cells touching each other. |
| Empty cell | A confirmed space that is not part of any filled group. | Use a cross or dot to mark it as empty. |
| Row clue | The filled groups that appear from left to right. | 1 3 means one filled cell, a gap, then three filled cells. |
| Column clue | The filled groups that appear from top to bottom. | 2 means two filled cells touching vertically. |
How To Read Nonogram Clues
The easiest way to learn clues is to translate each one into group lengths and required gaps. The table below shows common beginner examples.
| Clue | Meaning | One possible line |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | One group of five filled cells. | #####.. |
| 1 1 | Two single filled cells with at least one empty cell between them. | #.#.... |
| 2 3 | A group of two, a gap, then a group of three. | ##.###. |
| 0 | No filled cells in this line. | ....... |
Beginner Nonogram Strategy
Start with clues that are nearly as long as the line. These clues force overlaps, which means some cells must be filled no matter where the group starts.
Then use confirmed empty cells to split lines into smaller sections. Each split makes the remaining clue groups easier to place.
Find full lines
If a 10-cell row has clue 10, fill every cell in that row.
Use overlap
If a group is too long to avoid the middle, fill the cells that every placement shares.
Mark forced spaces
When a group is complete, mark the cells immediately before and after it as empty if they exist.
Cross-check columns
Every filled or empty cell in a row gives new information to its column.
A Simple Nonogram Solving Routine
When the puzzle feels quiet, move through the grid with a repeatable checklist instead of staring at the picture.
First pass
- Fill complete lines such as 10 in a 10-cell row.
- Mark all-empty lines if a clue is 0.
- Look for large clues that force overlap.
Second pass
- Use crosses to separate completed groups.
- Check whether remaining groups still fit in each open space.
- Switch between rows and columns after every useful mark.
When stuck
- Choose one line and list where each group can still fit.
- Fill only cells shared by every valid placement.
- Leave uncertain cells blank until another clue confirms them.
Example: Using Overlap
Imagine a 7-cell row with clue 5. The group of five could start at cell 1, 2 or 3. Those possible placements overlap in the middle.
Because cells 3, 4 and 5 are filled in every possible placement, you can safely fill them even before you know the exact ends of the group.
| Clue | Possible placements | Safe result |
|---|---|---|
| 5 in 7 cells | #####.. / .#####. / ..##### | ..###.. |
| 6 in 8 cells | ######.. / .######. / ..###### | ..####.. |
Common Nonogram Mistakes
Most beginner mistakes come from forgetting gaps, not marking empty cells, or filling a line because the picture seems likely.
| Mistake | Better habit |
|---|---|
| Forgetting the gap between groups | Always leave at least one empty cell between two clue numbers. |
| Not marking confirmed empty cells | Use crosses or dots as soon as a cell is proven empty. |
| Completing the picture by eye | Treat the image as a reward, not as evidence. |
| Working only across rows | After every row mark, check the affected columns. |
How To Practise Nonograms
Start with small 5x5 and 10x10 grids. They teach the same logic as larger puzzles, but mistakes are easier to find.
As you improve, try to explain every mark before placing it. If you can say why a cell must be filled or empty, you are solving properly.
How To Play Nonogram FAQ
What is a Nonogram?
A Nonogram is a grid puzzle where row and column number clues tell you which cells to fill to reveal a hidden picture.
What do Nonogram numbers mean?
Each number tells you the length of one filled group. Multiple numbers mean multiple groups with at least one empty cell between them.
Can you solve Nonograms without guessing?
Yes. Good Nonograms can be solved by logic using overlaps, forced empty cells and row-column cross-checks.
What is the best first Nonogram strategy?
Start with complete lines, zero lines and large clues that force overlap.