How to Do a Jigsaw Puzzle: A Step-by-Step Guide

New to jigsaws? Here's the method experienced solvers use, broken into simple steps.

Step by step

1. Look at the picture. Keep the reference image in view — online it's one tap away.
2. Find the edges. Separate all the flat-edged border pieces and build the frame first.
3. Sort the rest by colour and pattern. Group similar pieces into piles or clusters.
4. Build distinctive areas. Start where the image is most recognisable — a face, a sign, a bright object.
5. Fill the tricky bits last. Large areas of sky or water come together by shape once everything else is in.
6. Place the final piece and enjoy the win.

Start easy

Pick a size that matches your confidence: 100 pieces to learn the rhythm, then 300 and up. For more, see beginner tips and how to solve faster.

Try your first puzzle →