How do I merge shapes in Excel?

To merge shapes in Excel, select the shapes you want to combine and use the "Merge Shapes" feature on the Drawing Tools Format tab. You can then choose from options like Union, Combine, Fragment, Intersect, or Subtract.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Steps to Merge Shapes in Excel:

1. Select the Shapes: Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on each shape you want to merge. This will select multiple shapes simultaneously.

2. Access the Drawing Tools Format Tab: Once the shapes are selected, a "Shape Format" or "Drawing Tools Format" tab will appear in the Excel ribbon. Click on it.

3. Find the Merge Shapes Option: In the "Shape Format" tab, look for the "Insert Shapes" group (or sometimes it may be in the "Arrange" group). You should see a "Merge Shapes" dropdown button.

4. Choose a Merge Option: Click the "Merge Shapes" dropdown to reveal the following options:

   • Union: Creates a single shape from all selected shapes. The resulting shape will take on the formatting of the first shape selected.

   • Combine: Creates a single shape with cutouts where the original shapes overlapped.

   • Fragment: Breaks the selected shapes into multiple individual shapes wherever they overlapped. This is useful for creating more complex designs by separating individual parts.

   • Intersect: Creates a shape that is only the area where all the original shapes overlapped. If the shapes don't overlap at all, the result will be no shape.

   • Subtract: Subtracts the area of the shapes selected after the first selected shape from the first shape you selected. The order in which you select the shapes matters!

Example:

Let's say you have a circle and a square overlapping each other.

• Union: The resulting shape will be a single, combined shape representing the outlines of both the circle and the square as one object.

• Combine: The resulting shape will be the combined outline of the circle and square, but with a cutout where they overlapped.

• Fragment: The original circle and square will be broken up into several new shapes, representing all the different sections.

• Intersect: The resulting shape will be the area where the circle and square overlapped.

• Subtract: If you selected the square first, then the circle, the area of the circle that overlapped the square will be removed from the square, leaving a crescent-shaped cutout.

Tips and Considerations:

• The formatting of the first selected shape often determines the formatting of the merged shape (especially with Union).
• Experiment with different merge options to achieve the desired effect.
• If you're unhappy with the result, use Ctrl+Z to undo the merge.
• The "Fragment" option can create a large number of shapes, so use it with caution.

By using the Merge Shapes feature, you can create custom and complex shapes directly within Excel for diagrams, infographics, and other visual elements.