Tube JSON
Use one inner array per tube. Write balls from bottom to top: the first value is the bottom ball and the final value is the exposed top ball.
Bottom-to-top input: the last value moves first. Use [] for an empty tube.
Ball Sort Solver
Enter a Ball Sort tube layout, check every color count, search for a valid solution, and replay the result one top ball at a time. Puzzle data and search stay in your browser.
Ball Sort rule: Move exactly one exposed top ball per step.
Working with liquid layers that may pour together? Use the Water Sort Solver.
Working with liquid layers that may pour together? Use the Water Sort Solver.
Tube Preview
Color IDs
Color Count Check
Solution Steps
The search uses only standard four-ball tube rules. It never moves a matching group as one action.
Load valid level JSON to preview the puzzle.
Step 0 / 0One exposed ball per step
Load valid tube JSON, then select Solve.
Move List
How the Ball Sort Solver works
- Enter the full level as tube JSON from left to right.
- Write each tube from bottom to top and keep the top ball as the last value.
- Load the JSON to check capacity, empty tubes, and the required count of four for every color.
- Select Solve, then use Previous, Next, Play, Pause, and Reset to inspect the result.
- Copy the move list or share a Ball-specific link that reloads this solver and its replay.
Standard rules used here
Each tube holds at most four separate balls. A legal move takes only the exposed top ball and places it into an empty tube or onto the same top color. A solution is complete only when every non-empty tube is full and contains one color; empty tubes are allowed.
Search results and limits
The solver distinguishes invalid input, no solution found, search limit reached, search cancelled, and solver errors. Search runs in small browser batches so the page can update and accept cancellation. The solver searches for a valid solution. It may not return the shortest possible solution.
Supported input
Color IDs may be finite numbers or short non-empty strings, matching the existing solver input style. This first version supports capacity 4 only. It does not support hidden colors, unknown colors, uneven capacities, automatic helper tubes, or moving several adjacent balls as one action.
Related tools, games, and guides
Ball Sort Solver guide | Water Sort vs Ball Sort guide | Ball Sort Games · Water Sort Solver · Water Sort Level Editor
FAQ
Does this solver move more than one ball at a time?
No. Every generated step moves exactly one exposed top ball. Adjacent matching balls require separate moves.
How should tube arrays be ordered?
Write each tube from bottom to top. The first value is the bottom ball and the last value is the exposed top ball.
Why must every color appear four times?
This page implements the standard four-ball rule, so a valid starting level needs exactly four balls of each color.
Does the solver guarantee the shortest answer?
No. It searches for a valid solution and may not return the shortest possible solution.
Can I share the replay?
Yes. Share Solution creates a link for this Ball Sort page with an explicit Ball puzzle type and the checked one-ball move list.
Explore Sorting Game Categories
Choose the sorting style that matches the way you want to play.
Water Sort GamesBottle puzzles with layered colors, legal pours, and spare-space strategy.Ball Sort GamesTube puzzles built around top-ball moves, color groups, and open tubes.Goods Sort GamesShelf and object puzzles about matching items while keeping useful space open.
Recommended Sorting Games
Try another sorting puzzle selected from the game library.
Sort Water Now
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BBQ Sort Puzzle
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Balloon Sort
A bright balloon sorting puzzle built around careful aim and color-clearing moves.
Ball Craze Sort
Fast ball sorting with simple rules and useful empty-tube strategy.
Fruit Sort
A bright fruit sorting puzzle built around smart matches and clean combinations.