How to split images and create an Instagram puzzle grid with Canva

Are you trying to work out how to use an image across multiple boxes on Instagram?

Get creative with your Instagram grid layout. 

Follow these instructions and use our free Canva template to create puzzle grids. You will have nine posts ready to share as a puzzle grid on your social media when you are done.

What is a Puzzle Feed / Puzzle Collage?

When you post an image or video on Instagram, they are displayed in your profile as individual squares in a grid of three rows. Splitting an image, text, or colour across more than one post creates an Instagram Puzzle feed.

For example, I have split a picture of myself at my computer into two posts below.

When splitting images into posts, each post makes sense on its own.

Instagram Feed Posts - Bizstyler

How to create an Instagram Puzzle Feed with Canva

We will start by designing your grid in Canva.

The grid design will then be downloaded from Canva and split into nine images to use on your Instagram.

1. Get the Canva Template

Use the form below to get the Canva template. This is what you will need to create your own puzzle grid on Instagram.

Get the Free Puzzle Grid Template

Subscribe to learn what you need to get the most out of your website and social media, starting with the free Canva template for your Instagram.

2. Open the Puzzle Grid Template in Canva

Don't have an Canva Pro account? 

You will need to sign up for an account.

Check your inbox and click on the Canva template link in the email. This will open the template in your browser.

Click on Use Template

The Instagram puzzle grid canva template by Bizstyler with a Use Template button.

Login or sign up to Canva to open the template.

The Canva sign up or sign in dialog to use the template.
Once you are logged into Canva then you will be sent straight to your free puzzle grid template:
instagram puzzle grid template bizstyler 03

Want to make a copy? See Instagram Puzzle Grid FAQs below.

 

3. Edit your Instagram puzzle grid template

You’re now ready to create you Instagram puzzle grid.  There are 5 templates to use and it’s easy to edit the layout to suit.

Feel free to start playing around and adding your own images!

 

4. Save your Instagram puzzle grid

Click on the download button

Select the page you want to download (that has your grid)

Click Download

 

How to split images for Instagram

Once you are happy with your puzzle in Canva, you need to split it into smaller images so that you can post them onto your Instagram individually.

 

5. Split your grid picture into 9 images

Open Pine Tools Split Image in your browser

  1. Under INPUT IMAGE
    Click Choose File to choose your grid picture you saved to your computer
  2. Under OPTIONS
    Click Both (grid)
  3. Under VERTICALLY and HORIZONTALLY
    Choose 3 in the Quantity of blocks
  4. Then click on SPLIT IMAGE
  5. DOWNLOAD PIECES (IMAGES)
  6. Download the 9 images by clicking on each
bizstyler snipping tool

You now have 9 images that you can share on your Instagram feed.

Instagram Puzzle Grid Split Images - Bizstyler

Post your puzzle on Instagram

You’ve got your 9 images, now it’s time to start posting. 

6. Share your 9 grid images to Instagram

You can either post your images directly on Instagram, or use a social media scheduling tool such as Planoly, AgoraPulse, Buffer, etc

It’s important that you share the images in the correct order so they display correctly on your feed.

In the example below you would post 1. Chill, 2. Cat sleeping, 3. Meow, 4. Paw keyboard, 5. Play, etc

Instagram Puzzle Grid Posting Order - Bizstyler

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

How do I get Canva?

Sign up for free to Canva.

How do I make back up of the template?

You can either use the link to create another copy (open the link and select Use Template will create another copy). 

Or make a copy in Canva by clicking on File then Make a Copy

Can you recommend a way to preview my Instagram grid?

Planoly is a good social media tool. You can preview your Instagram grid for free for one platform. It’s also good if you want to share with others before it is posted such as clients or other stakeholders/team members by sharing a link.

I generally just use AgoraPulse as my scheduler for most clients. Unless they would like to view the grid.

How do you split a picture into grid on Instagram?

There are a variety of tools available that you can use on your phone or desktop.

Using your social media scheduler

If you are already using PLANOLY to schedule your Instagram feed there is already a tool built in! It’s called the PLANOLY Splitter Tool (click on the link for details on how to use it – note: you can only use this tool on your mobile).

On your desktop

 

There are also apps available for your phone if you prefer such as PhotoSplit for Instagram (iOS/Android), Instant Squares and 9Square (Android only).

How do you make a puzzle grid on Instagram?

Follow the steps on this page 🙂

Any other questions?

It’s important to get your social media right. I am here to help you and happy to answer any questions you have. Just get in touch.

Get the Free Puzzle Grid Template

Subscribe to learn what you need to get the most out of your website and social media, starting with the free Canva template for your Instagram.

Let me know how you get on with the template. Share your Instagram account, feedback, or questions.

Last Updated: March 2024

Instagram Puzzle Grid Course

Includes Canva template

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to Canva Pro and Agorapulse because I am a big fan of them and use them. These links are highlighted with a star (*). If you click on those links and purchase and I will receive a commission at no cost to you. It’s completely up to you if you chose to buy it.

Useful resources

Canva (Design your puzzle)

Pine Tools Split Image (Split images)

Agorapulse (Social media management)

Sendible (Social media management)

Don’t have an Canva Pro account? 

You will need to sign up for an account. 

Found this helpful? Share it

There are a variety of tools available that you can use on your phone or desktop.

Using your social media scheduler

If you are already using PLANOLY to schedule your Instagram feed there is already a tool build in! It’s called the PLANOLY Splitter Tool (click on the link for details on how to use it – note: you can only use this tool on your mobile).

On your desktop

ImageSplitter (free)
PineTools Split Image (free)

There are also apps available for your phone if you prefer such as PhotoSplit for Instagram (iOS/Android), Instant Squares and 9Square (Android only).

Follow the steps on this page