JigsawDesigner Help
Complete guide to using JigsawDesigner for creating professional jigsaw puzzles
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Create Your First Project
- Launch JigsawDesigner - Open the application on your Mac or iOS device
- Choose a Tool - Select from 8 drawing tools in the toolbar
- Draw Your Design - Create shapes, paths, or import existing SVG files
- Generate Jigsaw - Click "Generate Jigsaw" to create puzzle pieces
- Export - Save your puzzle as SVG for manufacturing or printing
Drawing Tools
🖱️ Select Tool
Select and move shapes on the canvas
- • Click to select shapes
- • Shift+Click for multi-select
- • Ctrl+Click to drill into groups
✏️ Edit Tool
Edit control points of shapes
- • Select a shape first
- • Click and drag control points
- • Adjust shape geometry precisely
✒️ Pen Tool
Free-form path drawing
- • Click and drag to create paths
- • Close paths by clicking near start
- • Great for organic shapes
📏 Line Tool
Draw straight lines
- • Click start point
- • Click end point
- • Perfect for geometric designs
▭ Rectangle Tool
Draw rectangular shapes
- • Click and drag from corner
- • Release to create rectangle
- • Adjust size and position later
⭕ Circle Tool
Draw circles and ellipses
- • Click center point
- • Drag to set radius
- • Creates perfect circles
⬟ Polygon Tool
Draw multi-sided polygons
- • Click to place each vertex
- • Double-click or press Enter to finish
- • Create any polygon shape
🎨 Bezier Tool
Draw precise Bezier curves
- • Click to place anchor points
- • Drag to create control handles
- • Enter to finish, Esc to cancel
Element Operations
Selection
- Single Select: Click on any shape
- Multi-Select: Shift+Click multiple shapes
- Select All: Press ⌘A to select all shapes
- Deep Selection: Ctrl+Click to select child elements in groups
Grouping
- Group Shapes: Select multiple shapes and press G
- Ungroup: Select a group and press ⌘G
- Nested Groups: Groups can contain other groups for complex hierarchies
Editing
- Copy: Press ⌘C to duplicate selected elements
- Delete: Press Delete or Backspace to remove
- Transform: Use Inspector panel to adjust position, scale, and rotation
Jigsaw Generation
How It Works
JigsawDesigner uses advanced C++ algorithms with OpenCV and Boost libraries to generate high-quality puzzle pieces using Voronoi diagrams and DCEL data structures.
1. Draw or Import Boundary
Create the outline shape that will be divided into puzzle pieces
2. Configure Settings
Set piece count (e.g., 100 pieces), slot min/max distance, and choose slot templates
3. Generate Jigsaw
Click "Generate Jigsaw" button - the algorithm will process and create interlocking pieces
4. Export Results
Export as SVG for manufacturing, printing, or further editing
Import & Export
📥 Import SVG
Import existing SVG files to use as puzzle boundaries or design elements.
Shortcut: ⌘I
Supported:
- Paths, rectangles, circles
- Groups and transforms
- ViewBox and coordinates
📤 Export SVG
Export your designs and generated puzzles as standard SVG files.
Shortcut: ⌘E
Features:
- Standard SVG 1.1 format
- Preserves all transforms
- Maintains group hierarchies
Note: Premium subscription required for exporting generated jigsaw puzzles.
Keyboard Shortcuts
File Operations
Edit Operations
Selection Shortcuts
Troubleshooting
Shapes aren't appearing
Check that you're in the correct drawing mode. Verify canvas size has space for your shape. Check shape fill/stroke colors aren't transparent.
Can't select a shape
Switch to Select Tool (cursor icon). Ensure the shape isn't hidden behind others. Try using Ctrl+Click to drill into groups.
Jigsaw generation fails
Ensure your boundary shape is a closed path. Reduce piece count for complex shapes. Check that slot templates are valid.
Export is disabled
Premium subscription required for exporting generated puzzles. Free tier allows design but limits export functionality.
Need More Help?
Visit our support page or contact us directly for personalized assistance