> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: /docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Morph shapes

> Animate one vector shape into another and prepare compatible contours.

Morphing animates a shape's points into a target shape. It changes the source layer's geometry; the target layer stays unchanged.

## Create a morph

1. Select the vector shape to animate. For text or a Boolean group, use [Flatten](/docs/shapes/edit-vectors.md#flatten) first.
2. Move the playhead to the start of the morph.
3. In **Properties**, open **Morph shape**.
4. Choose **Morph target**: another vector shape, **Circle**, or **Square**. You can also select two shapes and use the swap button to reverse their roles.
5. Set **Duration**, then choose **Morph**.
6. Play the animation.

The source keeps its fill and stroke. Use the visibility control in **Layers** to hide the target.

## Prepare compatible shapes

A contour is one continuous path. A shape can have several contours, such as an outside edge and a hole.

* Use the same number of contours in both shapes.
* Pair open contours with open contours, and closed contours with closed contours.
* Keep each contour within **2–512 points**. Point counts can differ; Libre adds points for the morph.
* Unlock the source and its parent groups. Their scale must be nonzero at the start; see [Zero scale](/docs/canvas/transform.md#zero-scale).

Use [vector editing](/docs/shapes/edit-vectors.md) to prepare the shapes, or choose a simpler target. **Circle** and **Square** need a single closed contour.

When offered, **Close contour** joins the open ends. If that contour is locked, unlock it first. If its geometry is animated, choose a compatible target instead.

![Morph shape shows one contour in Rectangle and two in Two circles, with a disabled Morph button and How to morph shapes link](https://mintcdn.com/velrabe-studio/0-sttpe0Kewyt-fA/images/troubleshooting/morph-contours.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=0-sttpe0Kewyt-fA\&q=85\&s=fc20a8b6825ba21372fe8db2917626d1)

Different contour counts block Morph; choose a compatible target.

If the start is at the [timeline limit](/docs/help/errors.md#animation-limits), move the playhead earlier to leave at least one frame for the morph.

## Related

* [Edit vectors](/docs/shapes/edit-vectors.md)
* [Keyframes](/docs/animation/keyframes.md)


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