Slice Actions Overview

Slice actions allow you to divide shapes into multiple smaller pieces, perfect for creating grids, segmented designs, and complex layouts from single shapes.

What is Slicing?

Slicing takes a single shape and divides it into a grid of smaller shapes:

• Input: One shape
• Output: Multiple smaller shapes in a grid pattern
• Result: Original shape is replaced with divided pieces

Why Use Slice Actions?

Quick Grid Creation

Instead of manually creating and aligning dozens of shapes, slice one shape into a perfect grid.

Segmented Designs

Create segmented graphics, progress bars, and divided layouts instantly.

Image Division

Divide images into pieces for puzzle effects, animations, or creative layouts.

Precise Subdivisions

Create perfectly proportioned subdivisions without manual calculations.

Slice vs. Slice & Dice

offgen offers two slicing approaches:

Slice & Dice (Basic)

Quick slicing with row and column input:

• Found in: Transform > Shape Operations
• Simple interface: Enter rows and columns
• Result: Equal-sized grid pieces

Learn more →

Slice (Advanced)

Advanced slicing with additional options:

• Found in: Slice Actions section
• Configurable spacing between pieces
• More control over output
• Additional options for complex layouts

Learn more →

How Slicing Works

The Process

1. Select a shape to slice
2. Choose number of rows and columns
3. Optional: Set spacing between pieces
4. Execute: Original shape is deleted, replaced with pieces

What Happens

Original Shape:           Sliced (3×3 with spacing):
┌──────────────┐         ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐
│              │         │   │ │   │ │   │
│              │    →    ├───┤ ├───┤ ├───┤
│              │         │   │ │   │ │   │
│              │         ├───┤ ├───┤ ├───┤
└──────────────┘         │   │ │   │ │   │
                         └───┘ └───┘ └───┘

Properties Preserved

Each slice inherits from the original:

• Fill color
• Outline/border style
• Transparency
• Effects (with some limitations)

Common Use Cases

Creating Tables

1. Create rectangle
2. Slice into grid (rows × columns)
3. Add text to each cell
4. Style as needed

Result: Custom table layout

Segmented Progress Bars

1. Create horizontal rectangle
2. Slice (1 row × 10 columns)
3. Color first 7 pieces green (70% complete)
4. Leave remaining pieces gray

Result: Visual progress indicator

Image Grids

1. Insert large image
2. Slice (3 rows × 3 columns)
3. Result: 9 image pieces
4. Use for animations or creative layouts

Result: Instagram-style grid effect

Calendar Grids

1. Create rectangle
2. Slice (5 rows × 7 columns)
3. Add dates to each cell
4. Style weekends differently

Result: Calendar layout

Segmented Charts

1. Create circle or bar
2. Slice into segments
3. Color each segment differently
4. Label for data visualization

Result: Segmented chart

Advanced Applications

Puzzle Effects

1. Slice image into pieces
2. Add slight spacing
3. Offset pieces randomly
4. Create "exploding" puzzle effect

Checkerboard Patterns

1. Slice square into grid
2. Color alternating pieces
3. Result: Checkerboard pattern

Pixelated Effects

1. Slice image into many small pieces (20×20+)
2. Result: Pixelated mosaic effect

Grid Layouts

1. Slice large shape
2. Delete specific pieces
3. Result: Custom asymmetric grid

Tips & Best Practices

1. Duplicate Before Slicing

Original shape is deleted:

1. Duplicate shape first (Ctrl+D)
2. Slice the duplicate
3. Keep original as reference

2. Use Spacing Thoughtfully

• No spacing: Seamless division (puzzles, tables)
• Small spacing: Subtle separation (charts)
• Large spacing: Clear distinct pieces (grids)

3. Consider Final Use

Plan before slicing:

• How many pieces do you need?
• Will pieces be styled individually?
• Do you need spacing between pieces?

4. Performance Considerations

Many pieces = more objects:

• 10×10 grid = 100 shapes
• Can slow PowerPoint performance
• Use judiciously

5. Ungroup After Slicing

If pieces are grouped:

1. Slice shape
2. Result may be grouped
3. Ungroup to access individual pieces

Combining with Other Actions

Slice + Color

1. Slice shape
2. Use Get/Set Color to style pieces
3. Create color patterns

Slice + Layer

1. Slice shape
2. Send some pieces backward
3. Create layered effects

Slice + Multiply

For repeated patterns:

1. Create pattern element
2. Slice for detail
3. Multiply entire pattern

Slice + AI

"Slice this shape into a 4×4 grid"
"Create a checkerboard pattern from this square"

AI understands slicing commands.

What Gets Sliced

Supported Shapes

• ✅ Rectangles
• ✅ Circles/Ovals
• ✅ Images
• ✅ Custom shapes
• ✅ Grouped shapes (as one unit)

Special Considerations

• Text: Text slices with shape (may need repositioning)
• Images: Image divides across pieces
• Gradients: Each piece inherits part of gradient
• Effects: Some effects may behave differently

Quick Reference

What's Next?