How NonogramGlyph works (60 seconds)
Tiny nonograms for fast wins. Read the clues, fill the pattern, beat your time.
1) What it is
NonogramGlyph is a quick nonogram sprint. You solve a small picture logic puzzle by filling squares in a grid. The only hints are the clue numbers at the edges. Each clue describes how many filled cells appear in that row or column. When every row and every column matches its clues, the puzzle is solved.
This version is built for speed and clarity. You get tiny boards, simple tap controls, and a clean timer. It is a great reset when you want something focused but not heavy.
2) How the clues work
A clue like 3 means there is a run of three filled cells somewhere in that line. A clue like 3 1 means there is a run of three filled cells, and later a single filled cell, with at least one empty cell separating the groups. The order matters, but the exact positions are what you deduce.
Your job is to place filled cells where they must be, and mark the rest as empty with X when you are sure. A clean solve usually alternates between filling forced groups and using X marks to lock down what cannot be filled.
3) Controls and helpers
Tap a cell to cycle through states: empty, filled, X, then back to empty. Filled means you believe the square is part of the picture. X means you are certain the square is not filled.
Auto X and Invalid highlight are there to keep Quick Play flowing. Auto X marks the remaining cells as X once a line already matches its clues. Invalid highlight warns you when a line can no longer be made to match.
Example round, step by step
This is a practical way to solve quickly without guessing. It works on 5×5 and it scales up cleanly.
Look for a row or column with a large clue that nearly fills the whole line. If the clue is close to the line length, many cells are forced. Fill those forced cells first because they create strong anchors.
When a group can slide a little, the middle section often overlaps in every possible placement. Those overlapping cells are guaranteed filled. Mark them confidently, then use X marks to keep the line honest.
X marks are not decoration. They prevent you from accidentally connecting groups that must stay separate. If a group is complete, the cell immediately after it in that direction is usually empty. Use X marks to enforce the gaps between groups.
When a line already matches its clues, Auto X can mark the remaining cells for you. This reduces cleanup work and keeps your focus on the lines that still have real uncertainty.
If a line becomes impossible, step back and find what caused it. It is usually one extra filled cell that merged two groups, or one missing X that allowed a group to grow too long. Fixing one mistake often repairs several lines at once.
Before you chase the last few squares, read each remaining clue and ask what must be true. If a clue says 2 2, you know there must be two separate pairs. That simple fact usually forces a gap, then forces placement.
Tiny strategy that actually helps
The clues describe groups. Solve by placing groups and gaps. If you only think square by square, you will be slower and you will second guess more.
Early X marks keep you from accidentally building the wrong shape. They also make the remaining open cells stand out, which speeds up the next deductions.
If a row or column clearly matches the clue, stop touching it. Let Auto X finish the rest if it is on, and move on. Clean solves come from not disturbing what is already correct.
Be decisive with forced cells, cautious with uncertain cells. If you reduce backtracking, your time drops naturally, even without rushing your taps.
Common questions
X means you are sure the cell is empty. It is a commitment that prevents you from accidentally extending a group.
It means there are two filled groups in that line, one of length three and later one of length one, with at least one empty cell between them.
No. It just saves taps when a line is already satisfied. You can turn it off if you prefer manual control.
It warns when a line can no longer match its clue, usually because a group became too long or two groups merged. It is a helpful signal, not a spoiler.
Your score is your time. Best time and streak are stored locally on this device.
Start with the tightest lines, place overlaps, then use X marks to lock gaps. Fast runs look calm because the solver avoids backtracking.
Other games you might like
If you enjoy quick logic, try these next.
Made by me 👋
NonogramGlyph is a fast “reset your brain” nonogram — tiny boards, clean UI, and streaks that keep you moving.
Contact: @numberglyph