Read the runs, not a total alone
A five-cell row with clues 2 1 contains a run of two filled cells followed later by one filled cell. It needs at least one empty separator. It is not interchangeable with a run of three. A zero clue means the entire line is empty.
Threadlight Pixels has Ink, Cross and Erase tools. Cross records a cell you know is empty; an untouched cell is simply unknown. Every mark can be changed, and Undo is free. Completing the picture requires all row and column filled-run clues to match; crossing every remaining empty cell is optional.
Find an overlap before placing a whole run
For a five-cell line with clue 3, the run can start at cell 1, 2 or 3. Its possible filled spans are 1–3, 2–4 and 3–5. Cell 3 is filled in all three placements, so fill only that middle cell for now. The end cells are not yet decided.
For clues 2 2 in five cells, both runs plus their required separator use the entire line: filled, filled, empty, filled, filled. This is a complete deduction. The same clues in a longer line need more information before you fix both runs.
Solve an original 5×5 practice picture
This worked example is independent of the game's picture trail. Rows have clues 1; 3; 5; 3; 1 from top to bottom. Columns have the same clues from left to right. Use ■ for filled and × for known empty.
| Row clue | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | × | × | ■ | × | × |
| 3 | × | ■ | ■ | ■ | × |
| 5 | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ |
| 3 | × | ■ | ■ | ■ | × |
| 1 | × | × | ■ | × | × |
- Row 3 and column 3 both have clue 5, so fill each completely.
- Column 1 and column 5 have clue 1. Their middle cells are already filled, so cross their other cells.
- Rows 2 and 4 each need a run of 3. With their outer cells crossed, fill cells 2–4.
- Columns 2 and 4 now have their required middle run of 3, so cross their top and bottom cells.
- Rows 1 and 5 have only their middle filled cell, matching clue 1.
Check the completed picture in both directions. A row can appear correct while a column still contains an unwanted extra cell; the picture is complete only when both sets agree.
Use the game's controls comfortably
Choose Picture trail and the first unlocked picture to start. Click or tap with the selected tool, or drag to mark a run. Holding can switch Ink and Cross. On touch, two fingers pan or pinch the board. Overview helps inspect the picture; Find cursor returns to larger working targets.
Keyboard arrows move the cursor, Space paints, X selects crosses and Z undoes. Use Erase when you want a cell to become unknown again rather than marking it empty.
Read why a hint is forced
Explained hints can identify a full line, overlap, separator or a deduction common to all placements allowed by your marks. A contradiction means the line has no legal placement: revise a mark or undo instead of accepting every existing mark as true.
When no forced cell is found, inspect a different line and verify earlier crosses. Do not fill a plausible picture shape merely because it resembles a bird or flower. The clues decide the picture. For a number puzzle with different constraints, try Sudoku for beginners.
