Classic (B/W)
Standard black-and-white nonogram rules.
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Overview 
Nonogram
1 player · 5-30 min per session
Fill and mark cells so each row and column matches its clue numbers, revealing the final picture.
Puzzle
Goal & Core Rules
Fill and mark cells so each row and column matches its clue numbers, revealing the final picture.
- Each row and column has clue numbers that describe runs of filled cells in that line.
- Runs appear in order and are separated by at least one empty cell.
- Mark cells as filled or empty until every line matches its clues and the picture is complete.
- Well-posed puzzles typically have a unique solution.
Grid Size Difficulties
The current build supports five board sizes, from 10x10 easy up to 30x30 master.
Controls
Mouse
- Left click: apply the current fill or memo mode
- Right click: mark empty (X)
- Drag: apply the same mode across multiple cells
- Top menu: hub / restart / new game / help / export
Keyboard
- Keyboard controls are not implemented in the current version.
Touch
- Use the bottom/right tool panel to switch between Fill, X, and Memo modes.
- Tap: apply the current mode to a cell
- Long press: quick X-mark helper input
- Drag: apply the same mode across multiple cells
- Top menu: hub / restart / new game / help / export
Beginner Tips
- Start with large numbers that nearly fill the line—you can place guaranteed cells first.
- Use “X marks” aggressively to track confirmed empty cells and prevent mistakes.
- Work both directions: rows help columns, and columns help rows—switch often.
Advanced Tips
- Look for forced overlaps when a run can’t fit without sharing certain cells.
- Use bounding: once a run’s edge is known, extend or cap it by counting remaining space.
- On larger puzzles, solve in regions and use the emerging picture as a consistency check.
Origins & History
Nonograms rose from late-1980s Japan: in 1987, Non Ishida created grid pictures using building lights and inspired the puzzle form, while Tetsuya Nishio independently invented a similar puzzle. In 1988, Ishida published “Window Art Puzzles,” and James Dalgety later helped popularize them internationally and coined the name “nonogram.”
Timeline
- 1987 Non Ishida and Tetsuya Nishio independently created the early form of the puzzle.
- 1988 Ishida published “Window Art Puzzles” in Japan; the puzzle later spread internationally and took the name “nonogram.”
Notable People
- Non Ishida Early creator and popularizer in Japan
- Tetsuya Nishio Independently invented a similar puzzle
- James Dalgety Helped publish internationally; coined “nonogram”
Sources
FAQ
Do I need to guess?
Most well-made nonograms are solvable by logic and usually designed to have a unique solution.
What do the numbers mean?
They are lengths of consecutive filled-cell runs in that line, in order, separated by at least one empty cell.
Are color versions included here?
Not in this implementation. The current game is black-and-white only, with difficulty coming from board size (10x10 to 30x30).