The 30-second version: the numbers beside each row and column tell you how many squares to fill and in what runs. Use pure logic to work out which cells are filled — and a little picture appears. Also called Picross or Griddlers. No math, no guessing, just deduction with a reward at the end.
Nonograms scale hard with size. A 5×5 teaches you everything; a 20×20 will just frustrate a beginner.
Set any app to its smallest size. Small grids let every technique show itself clearly — big grids just hide the lessons.
A clue that fills the whole line (a 5 on a 5-wide grid) is a free row. Fill those first — they give you crossing information instantly.
Cells you've proven are empty matter as much as filled ones. Mark them with an X so you don't reconsider them. Never guess.
The clue numbers are the whole rulebook. Here's how to read them.
Row and column numbers give the length of each filled run, in order, with a gap between runs.
"3 1" on a row means a run of 3 filled cells, then at least one gap, then a run of 1 — in that order.
Separate numbers always have at least one empty cell between their runs. A single number can sit anywhere in the line.
A run can only go where it doesn't clash with the crossing clues. Rows and columns constrain each other — that's the deduction.
A clue equal to the line length fills the whole line. Free cells, and instant crossing clues.
Slide a big run to the far left, then the far right — any cell filled in both positions is definitely filled.
If a line starts with a clue and the first cell is filled, the whole first run must start right there. Anchor from the edges.
A filled cell in a row is also part of a column clue. Bounce between the two to prove the next cells.
Ready for color nonograms and 20×20 monsters? They're just more of the same logic — grow the grid slowly and you'll be fine.
Everyone makes these. Make them less.
One wrong fill cascades into a ruined grid. Stuck means a deduction is waiting — re-read the clues, don't gamble.
Proven-empty cells are half the information. Skip marking them and you'll re-solve the same line over and over.
A 20×20 hides every technique in noise. Master 5×5 and 10×10 first — the skills transfer directly.
The magic is in crossings. Always check what a filled cell proves in its column before moving on.
This one really wants an app — the auto X-marking is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
Look for auto-X on completed lines, mistake detection you can turn off, and a big library of small grids.
See our pick →Paper nonograms are lovely and portable. Get one that starts at 5×5 with worked examples up front.
See our pick →On paper you want a crisp fill and a distinct X. A two-color fine-liner set keeps the grid readable.
See our pick →Heads up: links in this section may be affiliate links. They cost you nothing and keep the guides free.
Grow the grid slowly. If a size feels hard, stay there another week.
Same "there’s always a findable next step" feeling, with numbers instead of a picture. Most nonogram fans adore it.
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