Learn how to fragment shapes & images in PowerPoint using the Merge Shapes feature. The Fragment feature overlaps shapes and turns them into small pieces.

In this tutorial, we will explain how to split a shape into parts or pieces in PowerPoint. You can modify your pictures and shapes.

Using the shape-combine tools (new in PowerPoint 2010); you can create complex shapes by combining simple shapes. Give it a try: create two overlapping shapes, select them and choose Drawing Tools > ...

In PowerPoint 2013, though, the Join, Combine, Fragment, Intersect and Subtract tools are accessible by selecting the Drawing Tools, Format tab and clicking the Merge Shapes button.

This is the demonstration file to accompany the article, How to tone down a busy picture using Merge in Microsoft PowerPoint by Susan Harkins.

Create and format shapes Start by opening PowerPoint and choosing the Blank Presentation slide. One slide with two text boxes appears.

You can add a border to a PowerPoint slide by adding a rectangle shape and removing the fill color, which will give the appearance of a border.

PowerPoint 2016's Morph transition makes it easy to show motion, zoom in and out, and change shapes.