Pictionary online

If you want to play Pictionary online, pikto.fun is a free online drawing and guessing game that runs in your browser: one player draws a word, the others guess it. You don't need to install anything, and you can start a game in about 30 seconds on a computer, a tablet or a phone. This page explains how to start, how to play with strangers or friends, and what changes compared to the board game.

What is a Pictionary-style game online?

It is a game where one player draws a word on a shared canvas while the others type their guesses. Everything happens live: the drawing appears on every screen as it is made. The word, the timer and the points are handled by the game, so nobody has to hold the cards or watch the clock.

pikto.fun is a free online game of this kind. It is not the board game, and it has no link with its publisher. If you are looking for the principle of the classic game, the page about the rules explains it and shows how things work here.

Pictionary online: start playing in 30 seconds

1. Open the home page and choose a nickname. You can play as a guest, or sign in with Google or a code sent by e-mail if you want to keep your progress.
2. Press the play button for a quick game. You land in a game with players who speak your language.
3. Wait a few seconds for the other players, then draw when your turn comes or start guessing right away.

A guided practice game is offered to new players, so you can learn the controls before facing others.

Play with other players

Public games

Public games are open to everyone. You can pick one from the live list of public games, or let the quick game place you. Public rooms hold 2 to 16 players and are moderated. If someone bothers you, you can report a player or a drawing, and you can also hide a player for yourself.

International game (beta)

In the international game, which is in beta, everybody plays in their own language and the chat is translated. It is a nice way to meet people from other countries. The game is available in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, Indonesian, Brazilian Portuguese, Vietnamese and Turkish, with about 5,000 words per language in 26 categories.

Private games with friends

Create a private game, then share the link or the code with your friends. Up to 30 players can join. You pick the number of rounds, the length of a turn, the difficulty and the categories, and you can add your own words. The guide to playing with friends gives more ideas.

How it differs from the board game

The experience is close to the board game, but a few things are different:

• The drawer chooses among 3 words. You always have a choice when it's your turn.
• Hints appear gradually. Letters show up as the turn goes on.
• The game manages the timer. No hourglass, no cards, no score sheet.
• Typing replaces shouting. A single field serves to guess and to chat, and typos are forgiven. A private “Almost!” message tells you when you're close.
• Replay and podium. At the end of a turn, you watch a sped-up replay of the drawing. At the end of the game, the podium shows the winners and you can play again in one click.
• Rich tools. Pencil, eraser, bucket, shapes, 36 colors and special inks (neon, glitter, chalk, rainbow).

The board game has local names in some countries, for example “Dessinez c'est gagné” in France. Those names belong to their owners.

Tips for your first games

• Draw simple shapes first. A clear outline beats a pretty detail. Add one or two details only once the main shape is there.
• Use the hints. Letters appear during the turn, so look at the number of letters and the first ones before you type.
• Guess often. Typos are forgiven, so try your ideas without fear. A private “Almost!” tells you when you are close.
• Pick the word you can draw. Among the 3 words, choose the one that gives you a clear picture, not the one that sounds the funniest.
• Try other categories. Animals and food are easy starters. Movies, video games and manga are great when your group knows them well.

Play your way

You don't need to be an artist. The tools help you: the bucket fills areas quickly, shapes make clean lines, and undo and redo let you fix a mistake. Many players enjoy the progression too: levels, daily challenges, a daily chest, a streak of days, jokers and cosmetics such as frames and titles. A weekly Top 50 ranking is there for those who like to compete. All of it is optional, and a quick guest game works fine.

Meet PiktoBot and PiktoModo

You can add PiktoBot, an AI player that guesses and draws, to a game. PiktoModo, the host who comments on games, tells a short recap at the end of each one. Both are there to keep the game lively when you are few.

Check the FAQ for quick answers.