How to merge shapes in Google Slides?

In Google Slides, the common method referred to as "merging" shapes is actually done by grouping them. Grouping allows you to combine multiple shapes or objects so they can be moved, resized, and formatted as a single unit.

Steps to Group Shapes (Effectively "Merge")

Grouping shapes in Google Slides is a straightforward process. Here's how you do it, based on the provided reference:

1. Select all the shapes you want to "merge" or group together. The reference suggests holding down the "Shift" key and clicking on each individual shape. This adds each shape to your selection.
2. Right-click on any one of the selected shapes. This will open a context menu.
3. From the context menu, choose the "Group" option.

That's it! This action effectively merges the shapes into a single entity, meaning they will now behave as one object when you select, move, or resize them.

Reference Note: The process of selecting shapes by holding the "Shift" key and clicking each shape, followed by right-clicking and choosing "Group," is explicitly mentioned as the way to "merge" shapes in the provided information. This action indeed makes the shapes function as a single entity.

Why Group Shapes?

Grouping shapes is incredibly useful for several reasons:

• Organization: It helps keep related elements together on your slide.
• Efficiency: You can move or resize a complex arrangement of shapes all at once without having to adjust each one individually.
• Consistency: Ensure the relative positions and sizes of shapes remain consistent when making adjustments.

Ungrouping Shapes

If you later decide you need to modify individual shapes within a group, you can easily ungroup them:

1. Select the grouped object.
2. Right-click on the grouped object.
3. Choose "Ungroup" from the context menu.

This will separate the shapes back into their original, individual components, allowing you to edit them independently again.

By understanding how to group and ungroup shapes, you can create more complex and dynamic visuals in your Google Slides presentations with greater ease and control.