Nonocross is a mobile picture-cross (nonogram) puzzle game by Gimica GmbH. Each puzzle is a grid where you fill in cells to reveal a pixel-art image, guided by number clues along each row and column. The clues tell you the lengths of consecutive filled-cell runs in order.

How do I read Nonocross clues?

Each clue is a sequence of numbers separated by spaces. The numbers describe the lengths of filled runs in that row or column, from left to right (rows) or top to bottom (columns). For example, a row clue of "3 1" means there is a run of 3 filled cells, at least one empty gap, then a run of 1 filled cell.

Can Nonocross be solved without guessing?

Yes. Every Nonocross puzzle has a unique solution reachable by logic alone. The key techniques are overlap analysis (finding cells that must be filled regardless of exact run position), cross-line deduction (using row progress to constrain columns), and gap elimination (identifying spaces too small for remaining runs).

What does a "0" clue mean in Nonocross?

A clue of 0 means every cell in that row or column is empty. Mark them all as crossed out immediately. This is a free elimination that often cascades to constrain adjacent lines.

How long does a Nonocross puzzle take to solve?

Smaller grids (5x5 to 10x10) typically take 1-5 minutes with practice. Larger grids (15x15+) can take 10-20 minutes. The density (percentage of filled cells) also affects time: denser grids have more overlap opportunities and often resolve faster despite appearing complex.

Beginner Guide

How to Play Nonocross

From reading your first clue to completing the grid - with a real Level 1 walkthrough

What is a nonogram?

A nonogram (also called a picture-cross or picross) is a logic puzzle on a grid. Each row and column has a clue - a sequence of numbers that describes the lengths of consecutive filled-cell runs in that line. Your job is to determine which cells are filled and which are empty, using only those number clues and logic.

In Nonocross, solving the grid reveals a pixel-art picture. The clues are always sufficient to determine the solution uniquely - no guessing is ever required.

How to read the clues

Each clue is a list of numbers, read left to right for rows and top to bottom for columns. A clue of 3 1 means:

A run of 3 consecutive filled cells
At least 1 empty cell gap
A run of 1 filled cell

The runs must appear in that order. There must be at least one empty cell between any two runs. A clue of 0 means the entire line is empty - cross it all out.

The three core techniques

Overlap analysis

For a run of length N in a line of length L, the cells from position (L−N+1) to N must be filled regardless of where the run sits. The bigger N is relative to L, the more cells you can fill immediately.

Cross-line deduction

After filling cells in rows, re-examine the columns those cells intersect. A newly filled cell eliminates some positions for runs in its column. Alternate between rows and columns until no new deductions are available.

Gap elimination

Calculate the minimum space needed by remaining unsatisfied runs (sum of run lengths + mandatory gaps). If the remaining open space is exactly that size, every cell is determined. If a gap is smaller than the smallest remaining run, mark it all empty.

Level 1 walkthrough: Square

Analysis by Hana Yoshida

Level 1 is a 3×3 grid at 89% fill density. Here is the solved grid:

1
1

1 1

The entry points for this puzzle:

Row 1: