Read the numbers.
A 3 means three filled squares together. A clue of 2, 1 means a group of two, then a group of one, in that order.
2 1
××
This is one possible arrangement of 2, 1 in a five-square row.
ONE SQUARE AT A TIME
It’s simpler than it looks.
A nonogram is a picture hiding in a grid. The numbers tell you where to look.
Try a gentle 5 × 5Leave a little space.
Always leave at least one empty square between groups. Use the Mark tool to put an × in squares you know are empty.
1 1 1
××
Three single squares and two gaps fill this row exactly.
Find a sure thing.
A clue of 5 on a five-square row fills the entire row. Start here. These squares help you work out the columns next.
5
Rows and columns must both agree with their clues.
Look for overlap.
For a clue of 4 in five squares, the group can start at either end. The middle three squares are filled in both possibilities.
4
×
4
×
So you can safely fill the three middle squares first.
A few things worth knowing
Do I have to mark every empty square?
No. Marking helps you think, but the puzzle is complete when all picture squares are filled and no extra squares are filled.
What does a clue of 0 mean?
The whole row or column is empty. Mark those squares with ×.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Tap or drag to fill and use the Fill / Mark control below the board. Choose a 5×5 puzzle for larger cells, or enlarge the board and scroll.
Why did a clue fade before the puzzle was finished?
It means the filled groups in that line match its clues. Matching one line alone does not prove its positions are correct; the crossing lines must also agree.