Ampler splits one shape into a grid of smaller shapes with the rows, columns, and spacing you set — a fast way to build an even matrix of boxes from a single rectangle.
Quick answer: Select the shape, click Split shape in grid on the Ampler ribbon, and set the number of rows and columns and the spacing.
How to use it
Select the shape, then split it into rows and columns.
- Select the shape to split.
- Click Split shape in grid on the Ampler ribbon.
- Set the number of rows and columns and adjust the spacing.
The single shape becomes an evenly divided grid of shapes, ready to fill with content.
Keyboard shortcut
Split shape in grid has no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Set shortcut on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
Building a matrix of equal boxes by drawing and aligning each one is slow. Split shape in grid turns a single rectangle into an even grid of shapes in one step, so a 2×3 matrix or a row of equal cards is ready in seconds.
How consultants use it
Matrices and box layouts are everywhere in consulting exhibits, and they are expected to be perfectly even. Building them from a single shape keeps the geometry exact. Three habits apply:
- Build structured layouts fast: a matrix or card grid comes from one shape rather than many hand-drawn boxes.
- Even, gridded subdivisions: rows, columns, and gaps are equal by construction.
- Consistent building blocks: every cell is the same size, so the exhibit reads as composed.
Split shape in grid gives an exact matrix from a single rectangle.
Tips & best practices
- Start from a shape already sized to the area the matrix should fill.
- Set the spacing to match the gaps used elsewhere in the deck.
- Combine with Apply styles to format all the cells consistently.
Availability
Included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you split a shape into several shapes in PowerPoint?
Select the shape and click Split shape in grid on the Ampler ribbon, then set the rows, columns, and spacing. Ampler divides it into an even grid of shapes.
How do you make a matrix of equal boxes in PowerPoint?
Use Ampler’s Split shape in grid on a single rectangle — it produces evenly sized, evenly spaced cells in one step.
Can you control the spacing between the split shapes?
Yes. You set the number of rows and columns and adjust the spacing when you split.