Shape Union Command in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows

We have already explored three of the four Combine Shape commands in PowerPoint: Combine, Intersect, and Subtract—and now we show you how you can use Union, the fourth and the last command of this quartet. In this tutorial, we'll show you how you can take two or more shapes and unite them. For example, we surrounded a circle with several stars over a donut shape as shown towards the left of Figure 1. With these shapes selected, we could use the Shape Union command that we explain later in this tutorial to create a united shape as shown towards the right in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Sample showing use of the Shape Union command

Once you finish reading this tutorial, do view the sample presentations embedded on the bottom of this page to see more samples of shapes that use the Shape Union command.

The Shape Union command is one of the four new Shape commands that are not visible by default in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows. You need to enable them as explained in Add Combine Shapes Commands to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows. Thereafter, follow these steps:

1. Select two or more shapes as shown in Figure 2. With these shapes selected, click the Shape Union command on the QAT.
2. 
   Figure 2: Shape Union command
2. This results in a united shape as shown in Figure 3.
3. 
   Figure 3: United shape

Do remember these guidelines for any tasks that involve the usage of this command. The Shape Union command:

• Combines all overlapping and non-overlapping areas of shapes
• Subtracts nothing
• Retains formatting of first selected shape

You will see these guidelines in use within the embedded presentations below (scroll down this page).

Click below to view this presentation on SlideShare

Click below to view this presentation on YouTube