Solve a first nonogram
A nonogram clue describes runs of filled squares. The order and the gaps matter as much as the total number of filled cells.
By Zehano · Original AI-assisted explanation and worked example · Updated 16 October 2026 · Editorial approach
A worked example
In a row five cells wide, the clue 5 fills every cell. The clue 2, 2 also determines the row: two filled cells, one empty cell, then two filled cells. For a clue of 3, the group can start in positions one, two or three. The centre cell is filled in every placement, so that overlap is a useful deduction before consulting column clues.
Try it in three steps
- Start with rows or columns that have only one possible placement.
- Transfer confirmed cells to the intersecting clues.
- Distinguish a deduction from a guess.
What to watch for
A clue of zero means no filled cells. Empty note marks are optional on Zehano; only filled cells affect the final clue check.
Apply it to your own material
Choose one topic from your current course or project. Write down the question you want to answer, make an attempt, and keep a note of how you checked it. Use the example above as a pattern; replace its subject matter and assumptions rather than copying an answer into a different task.
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