How to enable Merge shapes in PowerPoint?

Are you using the desktop version of PowerPoint or the web version?

The web version lacks many of the features of the desktop version. Merge is one of the missing features.

not work

Hi Sabikun, this is Bryll

Thank you for taking the time to write us in the Microsoft Community.

According to your post and product category, you are facing problem in finding Merge Shapes option from the Toolbar in PowerPoint using a Windows PC. If our summary is correct, we would like to let you know ahead that Merge Shapes option is available only for installed desktop versions of PowerPoint like PowerPoint in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office 2021, Microsoft Office 2019, Microsoft Office 2016 and Microsoft Office 2013. Please visit this support article: Draw a picture by combining and merging shapes - Microsoft Support

If Merge Shapes button is grayed out, it means that you have not selected two or more different shapes. To select multiple shapes to merge, you need to press and hold the Ctrl key from your keyboard then go to Shape Format tab from the toolbar and select Merge Shapes.

If problem remains, these are the nearest tactics that correspond with the described problem:

• Reset PowerPoint settings:
  • Close PowerPoint
  • Press the Windows key + R from your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type %appdata%\Microsoft\PowerPoint and press Enter.
  • Rename the "PowerPoint" folder to "PowerPoint.old"
  • Restart PowerPoint.
• Run PowerPoint in Safe mode:
  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type powerpnt /safe and press Enter.
  • Try testing the transitions
• Disable PowerPoint Add-ins:
  • In Start menu, search PowerPoint then right-click to run as Administrator
  • In PowerPoint that is running in Admin, go to File > Options > Add-ins
  • Find COM Add-ins then press Go button
  • Uncheck all items then press OK and restart PowerPoint
• Disable Antivirus program:
  • Antivirus software may be interfering with the proper functioning of PowerPoint. Antivirus software can sometimes block certain features or processes that it deems as potentially harmful, even if they are legitimate.
• Repair PowerPoint Office suite:
  • Go to Start menu > Settings > Apps > Find your Microsoft Office suite version > Modify/Change > Advanced options > Quick Repair
  • Or you can go to Start Menu > Control Panel > Programs and Features > Find your Microsoft Office suite version > Change > Repair

If further help be needed, please enlighten us on the issue further by responding to these questions:

• What is the update build number and license version of the PowerPoint you are using?
• When was the last time that you have managed to use Merge Shapes option?

We will recommend other strategies once we receive your response to our questions outlined above. If possible, please share some screenshots or video of the problem.

Best regards,

Bryll

Community Moderator

not work this tips

how to enable merge shapes in my powerpoint