Free nonogram puzzles you can play right now
A nonogram is a picture logic puzzle played on a grid, where the numbers along each row and column tell you how to shade the squares to reveal a hidden image. Nonograms are also known as picross, griddlers, hanjie, paint by numbers, and Japanese crosswords, but the idea is always the same: use the number clues and pure logic to work out which cells are filled and which stay empty. When every line matches its clues, a little pixel picture appears as your reward. Nonogram puzzles are relaxing, screen-friendly, and genuinely good for your brain, which is why so many people solve a few every day on NonogramGame.com.
How to play a nonogram (try it)
Every nonogram has a clue for each row and each column. A clue like 3 1 means that line contains a block of three filled cells, then at least one empty cell, then a block of one filled cell, in that order. Your job is to combine the row clues and column clues to work out exactly where each block goes. There is no guessing: every puzzle in this nonogram game can be solved by logic alone. Try the mini nonogram below, click a cell to fill it, right-click to mark a blank, and watch the clues fade as each line is completed.
Click the cells to fill them. Use the clues to find the hidden shape.
The rules in short
- Read row clues left to right, and column clues top to bottom.
- Each number is the length of one unbroken block of filled cells.
- Blocks in the same line always have at least one empty cell between them.
- Mark cells you know are empty with an X so you don't fill them by mistake.
- Solve the whole grid and the hidden picture is revealed.
Tips to solve nonogram puzzles faster
The quickest way to start any nonogram is to look for the largest clues. In a ten-wide row, a clue of eight has to overlap in the middle no matter where it sits, so those center cells are always filled. Mark empty cells aggressively: knowing where a block cannot go is just as useful as knowing where it can. Work the rows and columns back and forth, because every cell you solve in one direction gives you new information in the other. And remember, you never have to guess. If you feel stuck, there is always a cell you can prove with logic, and the in-game hint will point you to the next one you could have worked out yourself.
Why play nonograms on NonogramGame.com
NonogramGame.com is a free nonogram game you can play instantly in your browser, with no download and no sign-up. Every puzzle is checked by our solver so it has a single solution you can reach with logic, never guesswork. Start with relaxing 5×5 grids and build up to chunky 15×15 pictures, or jump into the Daily Nonograms: three fresh puzzles every day, a 5×5, a 7×7 and an 8×8, with a streak to keep alive. As you solve, each picture is added to your Collection, so there is always one more nonogram to uncover. Your progress is saved on your device, the game works on phones, tablets and desktops, and a relaxed mode with no timer is there for when you just want to unwind. Whether you call them nonograms, picross, or griddlers, this is a calm, satisfying way to give your brain a daily workout.
Nonogram FAQ
What is a nonogram?
A nonogram is a picture logic puzzle where number clues on the rows and columns tell you which squares to fill to reveal a hidden image. It is also known as picross, griddlers, or hanjie.
Are these nonogram puzzles free?
Yes. Every nonogram puzzle on NonogramGame.com is completely free to play, with no account required.
Do nonograms need guessing?
No. A well-formed nonogram has exactly one solution that can be found with logic alone, and every puzzle here is validated to guarantee that.
Is a nonogram the same as picross?
Yes. Picross, griddlers, hanjie, paint by numbers and Japanese crosswords are all different names for the same nonogram puzzle.
Can I play nonograms on my phone?
Yes. The nonogram game works in any modern mobile browser, with tap-to-fill controls and a zoom for larger grids.