How to Play Nonograms
A nonogram (also called picross, griddlers or paint by numbers) is a grid you fill in from number clues to reveal a picture.
The clues
- Each row has a clue on its left; each column has a clue on top.
- A clue is a list of numbers: the lengths of the runs of filled cells in that line, in order.
- Runs are separated by at least one empty cell.
- A clue of 0 means the whole line is empty.
For example, in a row of 10 cells, the clue 3 1 fits ■■■□■□□□□□, □■■■□□□■□□ and many more; you work out which by combining rows and columns.
Marking
- Fill a cell you know is part of a run.
- Cross a cell you know is empty. Crosses are only notes for you; they don't count either way.
Winning
The puzzle is solved when every filled cell matches the picture. kawu checks automatically.
On kawu
Choose 5×5, 10×10 or 15×15. Tap or drag along a row or column to fill; switch to Cross (or right-click) to mark empty cells. Finished lines grey out. Hint points to a cell you can deduce next, or one you got wrong. There's a daily puzzle with a time to beat. Play a nonogram or read the solving techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What do the numbers in a nonogram mean?
Each number is a run of that many filled cells in the row or column, in the order given. "3 1" means three filled cells in a row, then at least one empty cell, then one filled cell.
Do you ever have to guess?
Not here. Every kawu puzzle is checked by a solver that only uses line-by-line logic, so it has one solution you can reach without guessing.
Last updated 2026-10-19