You've seen them in puzzle magazines and mobile apps: grids with numbers on the sides, and as you fill in cells, a picture emerges. That's a Nonogram — also known as Picross, Griddlers, or Paint by Numbers. If you've never tried one, you're missing a satisfying, logic-based puzzle. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
The Rules
A Nonogram is a grid of cells. Each row and column has a sequence of numbers that tell you how many consecutive cells to fill in. For example, "5 2" means a block of 5 filled cells, then at least one empty cell, then a block of 2 filled cells. The order of numbers matches the order of blocks from left to right (for rows) or top to bottom (for columns). You mark cells as filled or empty (sometimes with an X) until the grid is complete — and a hidden image is revealed.
How to Solve
Start with rows or columns that have large numbers or few blocks. If a row is 10 cells wide and the clue is "10," every cell must be filled. If the clue is "5 4" and the row is 10 cells, the blocks must overlap in the middle — you can fill the overlapping cells. Use the "edge" technique: place blocks at the extremes (far left and far right) and see where they overlap. Mark cells that must be empty when a block can't fit. As you fill and cross out, more clues become solvable. There's no guessing required — pure logic solves every Nonogram.
A Brief History
Nonograms were invented in the late 1980s. Non Ishida, a Japanese graphics editor, created the first puzzles and published them in 1990 under the name "Window Art Puzzles." Around the same time, James Dalgety in the UK developed similar puzzles independently. Nintendo popularized the format with "Picross" on the Game Boy in 1995 — "Picture" + "Crossword" — and the name stuck. Today, Nonograms appear in print, apps, and browser games. You can play Nonogram free at MiniGamePlanet.
Tips for Beginners
Start with small puzzles (5×5 or 10×10) to learn the logic. Look for rows or columns with a single number that's more than half the line length — you can always fill some cells in the middle. When you're stuck, switch to another row or column; new information often unlocks progress. Use pencil marks or a digital "maybe" state if your app supports it. Don't guess — every move should follow from the clues. With practice, you'll spot patterns quickly.
Why Nonograms Are Addictive
Nonograms combine logic with reward. You're not just solving — you're revealing. The moment a face, animal, or object emerges from the grid is deeply satisfying. The puzzles scale from quick 5-minute solves to hour-long challenges. They're perfect for commutes, breaks, or winding down. Try a Nonogram at MiniGamePlanet and discover why millions love Picross.