What Are Nonogram Puzzles? A Beginner's Complete Guide

Nonograms look intimidating at first glance but are one of the most satisfying puzzles you will ever solve. This complete guide will have you solving your first one today.

If you have never played a nonogram before, you are in for a treat. Also known as Picross, Griddler, or Hanjie depending on where you are in the world, nonograms are logic puzzles where you fill in squares on a grid to reveal a hidden pixel picture. The number clues tell you exactly how many squares to fill — your job is to figure out which ones.

Our free daily nonogram game, PicFix, offers Easy (5×5), Medium (10×10), and Hard (15×15) puzzles. This guide will walk you through everything you need to start solving.

How Nonogram Clues Work

Each row and column in a nonogram has a set of numbers next to it. These numbers tell you how many consecutive filled squares appear in that row or column, in order from left to right or top to bottom.

For example, a row clue of "3 1" means there is a group of 3 consecutive filled squares, then at least one empty square, then a group of 1 filled square. A clue of "5" means five consecutive filled squares with no breaks. A clue of "0" means the entire row is empty.

The Overlap Technique

This is the most powerful starting technique for nonogram beginners. When a clue number is large relative to the row or column length, some squares must be filled regardless of exactly where the group starts.

In a 10-column row with a clue of "7", the group of 7 could start anywhere from position 1 to position 4. But positions 4 through 7 must be filled no matter where it starts. Fill those in immediately — they are guaranteed filled squares.

The overlap technique is especially powerful on larger clue numbers. A clue of "9" in a 10-column row leaves very little ambiguity. Start by identifying and filling all guaranteed overlaps before moving to deduction.

Edge Cases Are Your Friend

Squares at the edges of rows and columns are often easier to resolve than squares in the middle. If a row starts with the clue "3" and the first square is already filled, the group of 3 must start at position 1 — which means positions 2 and 3 are also filled, and position 4 must be empty.

Similarly, if a row ends with a clue of "2" and the last square is filled, the second-to-last square must also be filled. Always check edge squares first for quick wins.

Use the X Mark Strategically

PicFix includes a Mark mode that lets you place an X in squares you have determined must be empty. Using X marks aggressively is just as important as filling squares. When you know a square cannot be filled — because it would violate a clue or create an impossible pattern — mark it with X immediately.

Empty square markers help you visualize the remaining space in each row and column, which makes the next deduction easier to spot.

Cross-Reference Rows and Columns

Every square in a nonogram is the intersection of a row and a column. Each square must satisfy both its row clue and its column clue simultaneously. When you are stuck on a row, switch to its column. Information gained from the column often unlocks the row, and vice versa.

Experienced nonogram solvers constantly switch between rows and columns rather than trying to solve each one in isolation. The puzzle is a system — treat it like one.

Start with Easy Before Moving Up

PicFix Easy puzzles use a 5×5 grid, which is small enough to solve entirely through the overlap technique in most cases. Spend time here until the logic feels natural. The Medium 10×10 puzzles introduce more complex deduction chains, and the Hard 15×15 puzzles require patient systematic solving across many rows and columns.

There is no shame in sticking to Easy puzzles for a while. Every solved puzzle builds pattern recognition that pays dividends on harder grids later.