Create an Eye-Catching Vector Jigsaw Puzzle From Scratch!
Having trouble creating a jigsaw puzzle effect in Adobe Illustrator? Look no further, this tutorial will show you how you can create your own illustrator vector jigsaw pieces step by step. No expensive and fancy plugins needed! Just using some simple tools and filters in illustrator. I will also show you how you can map your vector illustration or jpeg photo onto the jigsaw puzzle. After learning this tutorial, you will be able to turn any photo/illustration into jigsaw pieces with ease.
Difficulty: IntermediateRequirements: Adobe Illustrator
What will you get?
- Instant download of PDF e-book (16 pages)
- Step by step tutorial to create a jigsaw puzzle from scratch
- Learn how to turn a photo/illustration into a jigsaw puzzle
- Extra quick tip on how to create a scattered jigsaw puzzle effect
- Easy to follow with screenshot for every step
- Complete the tutorial easily in 21 steps
- Comes with source file for easy reference
- 30 days money back guarantee if not satisfied
Tutorial Preview:
6. Use Direct Selection Tool to select the 2 points and press Ctrl/Command + J to joing the points. Select Corner for it. Do this for all the 5 shapes to join them as a single path.

7.We will now begin to draw the jigsaw puzzle frame. Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool and draw a rectangle that is 5 by 3 squares wide.

8. As the puzzle patter is 8 square high, we will need to resize it 50% smaller to fit it into the puzzle frame. Go to Object>Transform>Scale and set it to 50%.

9. Now, drag the shapes so that it lines up with the first square on the grid. You will notice the ends of the individual jigshaw shape we created intersected with the puzzle frame.

10. Hold Alt/Option to drag more copies to the right. Until you have 4 copies.

11. Using the Rotate Tool, select all jigsaw paths and click the point shown below. Hold Shift+Alt/Option as you rotate 90 degrees to create a new copy.

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I bought the rope brush tutorial a few months ago. I had a very hard time. I am using CS3 Illustrator. I’m a beginner and trying to figure out how to make something work in CS3 that is being taught in Illustrator 10 was a little much for me. After about 40 hrs of frustration I did get it to work somewhat, but I didn’t understand what I was doing.
I love the puzzle pieces but want to know if this tutorial is like the rope tutorial. I like the fact I could print it out and keep it. Later on as I get more experience I’m going to try it again. thanks, Jean
Thanks for the feedback. I admit the rope brush tutorial is quite tough and is not easy for beginners to grasp it. This tutorial would be much easier, as it is written for the beginners. You can give it a try when you are ready. Thanks.
I got the Jigsaw puzzle tutorial a couple of weeks ago. I couldn’t originally figure it out, but then I’ve gotten to the pathfinder part and it doesn’t behave the way you describe.
I was hoping you would be able to tell me what the problem is. I emailed you about a week ago, but I guess it didn’t get through, since no response.
This has got to be some bug in CS3 or else, something is wrong with the instructions. Anyway, I need to finish this and would appreciate help.
John Rich
Hi John Rich, I believe you are stuck at step 13. Make sure your paths touch the edges before you hold Alt/Option and select Divide. Email me the file if you are still having problems. Thanks.
Tony,
That was the problem ie the path with the curl in it didn’t quite touch the path of the rounded rectangle (under very high power zoom). I fixed it by creating a new anchor point on the rectangle and then averaging the end point of the line with the anchor point on the rectangle.
I thought it was interesting that when I “expanded” the original line with curl shape after applying Arch that I had a group with just one path in it. In order to join the lines together, I had to ungroup each of those lines.
Also, it seems easier for me to use the Object – rotate and reflect commands than use the individual tools.
Just a couple of thoughts. Since I’m using these shapes for video editing ie to import into a program called Zaxwerks Invigorator, I really appreciate this tutorial.
John Rich
Hi John Rich, thanks for the input. I see that you have tried a lot of different techniques in this tutorial. Great to see that you have learnt a lot.
My question is: Do you make new layers once working on adding a picture to the frame? I hope to master this effect!
Hi