1. Start with the fullest rows and columns
A 5 next to a row of five squares means: fill everything. Large numbers such as an 8 on a row of ten also give certain squares in the middle right away.
Play nonograms
In a nonogram the grid hides a picture. The numbers on the left and at the top tell you how many connected squares to fill in each row and column — the rest stays empty. Pick your level, choose the Fill or X input mode, and reason the picture into view. Every puzzle can be solved without guessing.
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What is a nonogram?
A nonogram — also known as picture cross, Picross or griddler — is a logic puzzle where you fill in squares of a grid based on number clues. Every row and every column has its own numbers describing exactly which blocks of filled squares occur. Fill everything in correctly and a small pixel picture appears.
The puzzle became popular in Japan in the late eighties and has been a classic in puzzle books and on game consoles ever since. You need no vocabulary or arithmetic: just calm looking, comparing and logical reasoning.
How do you play a nonogram?
2. Fill certain squares, put an X on certain blanks
Choose the Fill mode to colour squares and the X mode to mark squares that definitely stay empty. On a computer you can also right-click for an X. The X marks are your memory aid — they stop you from accidentally filling a wrong square later.
3. Keep switching between rows and columns
Every filled square gives new information for the crossing column, and vice versa. By switching back and forth, more and more squares become certain — until the whole picture is complete.
What do the numbers mean?
Each number stands for a block of connected filled squares in that row or column, in reading order: left to right and top to bottom. If there are several numbers, those blocks appear in that order, with at least one empty square between them.
Example: the clue 3 1 means first a block of three filled squares, then at least one empty square, and then one more filled square. How many empty squares sit before, between and after the blocks is for you to work out by combining the row with the crossing columns. Once a row or column is correct, its numbers are dimmed.
Tips for beginners
Count the overlap
Slide a large block all the way left and all the way right in your head. The squares that are filled in both cases are always certain — colour those first.
Use X marks actively
When a row is finished, put an X in all remaining squares. Every crossing column instantly becomes clearer and you avoid mistakes.
Work from the edges
When a block touches the edge, its neighbours are fixed. A filled corner square with clue 2, for example, means the second square is filled too — and the third certainly empty.
Don't guess — check instead
Every puzzle can be fully reasoned out. If you get stuck, use Check mistakes or ask for a hint — it fills in exactly one certain square.
Four levels, from 5×5 to 20×20
The difficulty is not just about size: at the higher levels the pictures are more fragmented too, so you need to combine more steps.
Easy (5×5)
Ideal for learning the game: small pictures with many full rows, solved in a few minutes.
Normal (10×10)
The classic format, with recognisable little figures and a pleasant mix of direct and combined steps.
Hard (15×15)
More blocks per row and fewer giveaways: here you really start counting and combining.
Expert (20×20)
Large, fragmented pictures that demand solid concentration — the thicker lines every five squares help you count.
Prefer a fixed challenge? Play the daily nonogram (the same for everyone). If you enjoy this kind of logic, also try the binary puzzle or browse all free brain games in one place.
Frequently asked questions about nonograms
What is a nonogram?
A logic puzzle where you fill in squares of a grid based on numbers next to the rows and above the columns. The numbers tell you how many connected squares are filled. Solve everything correctly and a hidden picture appears.
How do you solve a nonogram?
Start with rows and columns with large numbers: most of their squares are fixed. Fill in certain squares, mark certain blanks with an X and keep switching between rows and columns. Every completed cell gives new information for the rest.
Do you have to guess in a nonogram?
No. Every puzzle on BreinPlezier is built to be solvable step by step and has exactly one solution. If you get stuck, there is always a row or column with another certain step to find — or use a hint.
What does an X mean?
With an X you mark a square that definitely stays empty. The X is an aid for yourself: only the filled squares count for the solution. You do not have to give every empty cell an X to finish the puzzle.
Is a nonogram the same as Picross?
Yes, it is the same game under a different name. Picross is the name Nintendo uses; other well-known names are picture cross, griddler and Hanjie. The rules are identical everywhere.
Can I play nonograms for free?
Yes. All nonograms on BreinPlezier are completely free, without an account or download. Your progress is saved automatically on your own device, on tablet and phone too.