Nonogram Solving Techniques
Every technique a nonogram solver needs, from basic to advanced. Click any technique for a full explanation with worked examples.
Simple Overlap
Find cells that must be filled regardless of where each run is placed. The single most powerful technique for opening up a puzzle.
Edge & Endpoint Deduction
Use filled cells near the edges of a line to determine which run they belong to, bounding that run immediately.
Block Capping
When a filled run reaches its full length, the cells on either side must be empty. A simple but frequently overlooked rule.
Clue Exhaustion
When all filled cells in a line are accounted for, every remaining unknown cell must be empty.
Contradiction Method
Tentatively assume a cell's state and propagate — if a contradiction results, the opposite must be true.
Don't want to apply techniques manually? Use the nonogram solver to get an instant solution with a step-by-step log that names every technique used.