How to create simple Jigsaw pieces using PowerPoint shapes
![Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016 Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/1.png)
![Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016 Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/2.png)
![Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016 Simple puzzle piece in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/3.png)
To make the Jigsaw puzzle piece, do the following:
1. On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, select Shapes:
![Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/shapes.png)
2. In the Shapes list, from the Rectangles group, select the Rectangle shape:
![Rectangle shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Rectangle shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/rectangles.png)
Add the rectangle shape to the slide:
![Simple rectangle shape in PowerPoint 2016 Simple rectangle shape in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/5.png)
3. To add different forms of holes and heads, do one of the following:
A. The very simple form of circle holes and heads:
A.1. On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click the Shapes dropdown list and then choose the oval shape from the Basic Shapes group:
![Basic Shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Basic Shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/oval.png)
Add the oval shape to the slide and positioning them like you prefer:
![Simple rectangle shape in PowerPoint 2016 Rectangle and oval shape in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/6.png)
Note: Here and below had been used shapes from the Basic Shapes group of the Shapes list:
![Basic shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Basic shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/basicshapes.png)
A.2. To create heads on the puzzle figure, just union these two shapes. To union shapes, do the following:
1. Select both shapes.
2. Under Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Insert Shapes group, click on the Merge Shapes dropdown list, and choose Union:
![Union shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Union shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/union.png)
You will see a new head on the shape:
![United shapes in PowerPoint 2016 United shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/7.png)
A.3. To create holes on the puzzle piece, just subtract the second shape from the first one. To subtract shapes, do the following:
1. Select the first shape that should be subtracted and then holding Ctrl, select the second shape.
2. Under Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Insert Shapes group, click on the Merge Shapes dropdown list, and choose Subtract:
![Subtract shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Subtract shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/powerpoint_button2016/subtract.png)
You will see the new hole on the shape:
![Subtracted shapes in PowerPoint 2016 Subtracted shapes in PowerPoint 2016](/images/tips/415/8.png)
B. The more realistic form of circle or teardrop holes and heads:
If you want to create more realistic heads and holes, you need to re-positioning them for making holes:
For heads | For holes | |
---|---|---|
The positioning of the oval shape | ![]() |
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After union or subtract | ![]() |
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You can also try, for example, the teardrop shape:
For heads | For holes | |
---|---|---|
The positioning of the teardrop shape | ![]() |
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After union or subtract | ![]() |
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See also this tip in French: Comment créer des pièces de puzzle simples à l'aide de formes PowerPoint.