The goal of a Picross puzzle
A Picross or Nonogram is a hidden pixel picture. Each cell is either filled or empty. The number clues tell you the length and order of every filled group in a row or column.
The one rule to remember: two separate clue numbers must have at least one empty cell between their groups.
How to read number clues
A single clue of 5 means that line contains one uninterrupted block of five filled cells. A clue of 3 2 means a block of three, at least one empty cell, then a block of two.
The groups can move within the line until other deductions fix their exact positions. Their order never changes.
Make your first deductions
1. Fill complete lines
If a 10-cell row has the clue 10, all ten cells are filled. If its clue is 0, every cell is empty and can be marked X.
2. Use overlap
In a 10-cell line, a clue of 8 can begin at the far left or far right. The six middle cells are filled in both possibilities, so they are safe to mark immediately.
3. Close completed groups
When a filled run already matches its clue, place an X at both ends. That prevents the group from accidentally growing and creates information for crossing columns.
DailyPicross controls
- Fill: tap, click or press Space on a focused cell.
- Mark X: choose the X tool, press X, or right-click with a mouse.
- Erase: use the Erase tool or press Delete/Backspace.
- Drag: keep the pointer down and move across several cells to paint quickly.
- Undo/redo: reverse an accidental move without restarting.
Challenge or Relaxed mode?
Challenge checks each move and gives you three hearts. Relaxed lets you make tentative marks without penalties, then use Check when you want feedback. Both modes save progress locally.
Ready for the next technique?
Once the basic rules feel natural, learn edge logic, exact-fit lines and multi-group overlap in the Picross strategy guide.
Play today's Picross