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Nonograms Online: Free Picture Logic Puzzles

Nonograms (also called picture cross, griddlers or paint by numbers puzzles) are logic puzzles: the numbers beside each row and above each column say how many squares in a row to shade, and when every line is right a picture appears. Play 146 of them online free, with no download or sign-up: easy 5 × 5 puzzles to learn on, 10 × 10, and 15 × 15 for a longer think. Every puzzle can be solved by logic alone, without guessing, and has only one answer. Check your work, ask for a hint, or undo as often as you like.

Play nonograms

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How to play nonograms

  1. Each number is a run of shaded squares in that row or column, in order. “3 1” means three shaded squares together, then at least one gap, then one more.
  2. Start with the big numbers: a 4 in a 5-square row must cover the middle three squares, wherever it starts.
  3. Tap a square to shade it. Switch the pen to “Cross” (or right-click) to mark a square that must stay empty; crosses are notes for you and are never wrong to leave out. Drag to shade or cross several squares.
  4. A clue turns grey when its row or column matches it. Shade every square of the picture to win. “Check” outlines mistakes; “Hint” fixes a mistake or shades one square.
  5. Keyboard: arrow keys move, Space or Enter shades, X crosses, Delete clears, U undoes.

My nonograms stats

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    Arrow keys move between squares. Space or Enter shades, X crosses, Delete clears, U undoes.

    How to play

    1. Each number is a run of shaded squares in that row or column, in order. “3 1” means three shaded squares together, then at least one gap, then one more.
    2. Start with the big numbers: a 4 in a 5-square row must cover the middle three squares, wherever it starts.
    3. Tap a square to shade it. Switch the pen to “Cross” (or right-click) to mark a square that must stay empty; crosses are notes for you and are never wrong to leave out. Drag to shade or cross several squares.
    4. A clue turns grey when its row or column matches it. Shade every square of the picture to win. “Check” outlines mistakes; “Hint” fixes a mistake or shades one square.
    5. Keyboard: arrow keys move, Space or Enter shades, X crosses, Delete clears, U undoes.

    Who it’s for: Beginners from about age 6 (5 × 5), older kids (10 × 10), teens, grown-ups and seniors. Sound is off unless you turn it on, there is no time limit, and “Pause” stops the clock.

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    Nonograms tips and strategy

    • Start with the big clues. In a 10-square row, a clue of 8 must cover the middle 6 squares wherever it starts: shade those.
    • Cross out squares that must stay empty, such as a line whose clues are all filled. Crosses are clues too.
    • Go back and forth between rows and columns: every square you shade or cross gives new information to the line across it.
    • A clue of 0 (or no clue) means the whole line is empty; a clue equal to the line length fills it.
    • Never guess. Every puzzle here can be solved by logic alone, so if you’re stuck, look for a line where the clues only fit one way.

    Print our printable nonograms (10 × 10 and 15 × 15, with answers), sudoku from 4 × 4 picture puzzles to hard 9 × 9, or the daily puzzles.

    Questions

    Can every puzzle be solved without guessing?

    Yes. Each of the 146 puzzles was checked by our solver program, which finishes it one row or column at a time using only the clues. So every puzzle has exactly one answer and can be done by logic alone.

    Which size should I start with?

    Start with 5 × 5 (28 puzzles): a few minutes each and a good way to learn the rules, from about age 6 with help. 10 × 10 (59 puzzles) takes 5 to 15 minutes; 15 × 15 (59 puzzles) is for a longer think.

    What are nonograms also called?

    Picture cross, griddlers, hanjie, paint by numbers and pic-a-pix are all names for the same kind of picture logic puzzle. The pictures here are our own drawings: animals, food, Christmas and everyday things.

    Can I print nonograms?

    Yes. Our printable nonograms are 10 × 10 and 15 × 15 puzzles with an answer key on page 2 of the PDF.

    What is “Today’s puzzle”?

    One puzzle of each size a day, the same for everyone, so you can compare times with a friend. “New game” picks another at random.

    Is it free? Do I need to sign up or download anything?

    It is free and plays in your web browser on a computer, tablet or phone. There is nothing to download and no account. Your stats are kept in this browser only. A few adverts on the page, kept well away from the game, pay for the site.

    Does it work on a tablet or phone?

    Yes. Tap with a finger on a tablet or phone, or use a mouse. It also plays with the keyboard alone (see “How to play”).

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