Guide

What Is a Nonogram?

A short introduction for anyone who has seen picross grids and wants to know how they actually work.

ContentsThe basic ideaHow clues workWhat the picture revealsWhere to start

The basic idea

A nonogram is a picture logic puzzle on a grid. The numbers beside each row and above each column tell you how many cells to fill and in what order. Fill the right cells and a small pixel-art picture appears.

How clues work

A single clue of "5" means five filled cells in a row with no gaps. A clue of "2 1" means two filled cells, at least one empty cell, then one more filled cell — always in that left-to-right (or top-to-bottom) order.

What the picture reveals

Every nonogram has exactly one correct solution. Once every row clue and every column clue is satisfied, the filled cells form a simple image — an animal, an object, a familiar symbol.

Where to start

10x10 grids and easy puzzles are the friendliest way in. Once the rhythm feels natural, step up to 15x15 or 20x20 boards for more detail and longer clue chains.

Learn

Related guides

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Beginner puzzle paths

Try after reading

Recommended puzzles

Apple Nonogram solution preview

Fruits · Easy · 10x10

Apple Nonogram

Play Apple Nonogram, a 10x10 easy nonogram with a clean browser grid and saved progress.

Play

FAQ

Guide FAQ

Do I need experience to read this guide?

No. The guide pages explain everything from scratch and work even if you've never seen a nonogram before.

What should I try after reading?

Open an easy 10x10 puzzle. Small grids are the fastest way to practise the rules you've just read about.

Are these nonograms free?

Yes. Every nonogram on the site is free to play in your browser, with no account and no ads inside the game.

Is my progress saved?

Yes. Your moves, timer, and completion are saved in your browser as you play, so you can close the tab and pick up where you left off.