What is the method to merge selected shapes into a single object in PowerPoint?

Merging selected shapes into a single object in PowerPoint is accomplished through the Merge Shapes function, specifically by clicking the Merge Shapes button and choosing the Union option. This method allows multiple shapes to be combined into one continuous shape, creating a seamless design ideal for logos, diagrams, or any complex graphic need.

When the Union option is selected, it effectively takes the outlines of the selected shapes and merges them into one cohesive figure, allowing for manipulation as a single entity. This is particularly useful for creating complex visual elements without losing the individual shape characteristics until they are merged.

Other methods, while they might deal with shapes, do not achieve the same result as merging. Grouping shapes through the Arrange menu allows for collective movement and resizing but does not combine the individual shapes into a single object. The Combine Shapes feature under the Format menu offers additional options for modifying shapes, but it includes different functionalities (such as subtracting or intersecting shapes) rather than merging them outright. Similarly, the right-click and choose Merge method does not exist in PowerPoint's standard functionality for shapes. Hence, utilizing the Merge Shapes button with the Union option is the correct approach for achieving the desired outcome of merging shapes into a single object.