How to Make a Connected Dots Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 8th type of maze construction is the Connected Dots maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Connected Dots Maze - Can also be called Connected “any object” mazes. A maze created by connecting dots with walls to make pathways.

HOW TO MAKE A CONNECTED DOTS MAZE

• Step 1 - Draw the Outline (optional)

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio. Note: In a connected dots maze you may also start on step 2 and draw the dots first, using the dots to create your outline. Technically you can skip this step completely !

• Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

• Step 2 - Draw the Dots (or the object you are using)

Take the outline and fill it with dots. I like mine at equal distances away from each other, but there is no rule for that. The more dots you make the more paths you will be able to make allowing for a more difficult maze.

ALTERNATIVE STEPS: 1 - Draw most of the dots first. 2. Create an outer edge by connecting the outside dots. Continue to Step 3 below.

• Step 3 - Draw Walls to Connect the Dots

Draw lines between the dots to create the maze walls.

• Step 4 - Keep Drawing Walls

Keep doing what you are doing. Remember to always leave a solution open to ensure solve-ability. Because this connected dots maze also has an outline you will need to connect some dots to the outline to create dead ends.

• Step 5 - Complete the Maze Walls

Completing the maze means creating a path to the goal.

I went back and added dots to the outline of the maze to give it a more authentic connected dots look. Here is the final version with those added. I think it looks much better ( or maybe authentic ?).

• Step 6 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution.

4 Additional examples of Connected Dot Mazes

Below is another example of connected dots maze, this one in traditional red and white Polka Dot colors. The scale of this maze and the above example are both easy, but they do not need to be.

In this second example, the smaller and more compact dots have been used to create a much more difficult maze. This maze also is a good example of randomly placed dots rather than having them placed in some sort of pattern.

My third example shows a connected dot maze made with a dot border instead of an outline. This is also a good example of the use of dots in a grid pattern.

My fourth example is here to show you that Connected Squares also work (triangles, stars, hexagons, bird shapes, etc). And the outline can be flexible with this format of maze, with this particular one much more chaotic than those above.

Making of a Connected Dots Maze Video

Check out this quick video showing the making of a simple connected dots maze.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make an Axonometric Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 7th example with look at an Axonometric maze construction. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type, however this maze type is best utilized for items you want to give some depth to. A cube, and other 3-dimensional objects work best for this maze type. If you are more visual, make sure to check out the video of a cube maze being made at the end of the post.

Axonometric Grid Maze - This is a maze made using an axonometric grid. Typically these grids are used to draw 3 dimensional representations of objects like a cube. But, for maze making this just means drawing walls at the angle of the axonometric grid.

How to Make an Axonometric Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio. Unique to my example is this outline is not actually made using the Axonometric grid, while 99% of creation WILL use the grid in this step.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati. I made an entrance in Cleveland but I usually wait until I am in the last stage of drawing maze lines to draw the exit point for the goal. This is in case I need to adjust the location slightly based off of my design. This works if drawing a maze digitally, but for a hand drawn maze the outline will need to have a pre-determined start and goal.

Step 2 - Determine your grid shape

When making a regular grid maze you are choosing the size of the grid boxes you will use. So a 20x20 grid is larger than a 10x10 grid. When choosing an axonometric grid you may choose the size, but more importantly is choosing the angles of the grid you will be using see the 3 examples below. The first grid uses angles of 20 degrees, the second 30 degrees, and the last 45 degrees (making essentially regular grids tilted at a 45 degree angle). My program defaults to 30 x 30 unless I change it and seems to work well for almost everything.

20 x 20 Grid

30 x 30 Grid

45 x 45 grid

Step 3 - Start Drawing the Walls

Using the axonometric grid pattern, begin drawing the maze walls starting at the entrance of the maze. Be careful to never close all open paths so the maze can be solved. As you make the maze decide how difficult you want to make it. A low amount of path choices, and short dead end paths will make an easy maze. Longer dead ends and lots of path choices make a more difficult maze.

Step 4 - Keep Drawing Walls

Like most mazes the middle part of design is a lot of keep doing what you are doing a draw more walls moving possible solutions towards the goal.

Step 5 - Complete the Maze

Draw the final walls and draw the exit. You have completed the drawing of an Axonometric maze !

Step 6 (Optional) - Draw the Solution

While the correct pathway is fresh in your mind, draw the solution to the maze. This is especially important with more complex mazes. It can also be a check to make sure your maze has a solution and helps you determine how difficult it is.

Other examples of Axonometric mazes that highlight the construction:

The Stairs maze naturally works as it helps to give the maze dimension. Notice how the direction of the walls is consistent with the plane of the object to help give it the dimensional look. The Lemon Meringue Pie maze uses the construction to draw the maze at the proper angle to the picture. And of course, where the construction really shines is on the Cube Maze !

Stairs Maze

Lemon Meringue Pie Maze

Cube Maze

A very important design note not covered in the step by step above is to follow the direction of the object when making your pathways. This will give your object dimension and make for a better looking maze. Both of the below cubes were made using an Axo grid, but the one on the left follows the direction and flow of the object while the one on the right does not. Personally I think the example on the left is a much better maze. Imagine the Steps maze above if it did not use the objects flow to make the pathways.

Axonometric grids also serve as the base for geometric mazes that aren’t square or rectangular, like this example of a Hexagon maze. However, I do not consider this a pure axonometric maze, but instead an Escape Maze !

and this example of a triangular maze using the grid (again an Escape Maze!).

And sometimes the shape of the item lends itself to grid that is tilted at an angle. I really like this Kazoo Maze. How many kazoo mazes have you seen before ?

Making of an Axonometric Maze Video

Watch this quick video to get a sense of how an Axonometric Cube maze is made.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Cut-Thru Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 6th type of maze construction is the Cut-Thru maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Cut-thru Maze - While most maze constructions are made by building walls, a Cut-thru Maze is created by drawing the pathways, in a sense cutting thru the object you are maze-ing. The finished product can look like a standard maze where you travel on the walls instead of the pathways between the walls.

How to Make a Cut-Thru Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Object

A new first step. While most mazes start with draw an outline, this maze starts with Draw the Object. That may include an outline initially, but to get the object completed the outline should be filled in with color to create a surface to “Cut-thru”. The color can be changed later based on your preference. For my example I started used black.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati. Because this is a Cut-thru Maze you do not need to have a opening in the outline for the maze to start and end.

Step 2 - Draw the Solution

Use a contrasting color to draw the mazes solution, remembering that you are drawing a path and not a wall when creating this type of maze. I used a square grid to draw my path on but you could use other options as well.

Step 3 - Draw the False Paths

Starting with the solution path, draw lines to misdirect the solver to dead ends. The longer the false branches and more decisions that need to be made, and the more difficult the maze will be. Using a different color for these paths will help later when you make the solution.

Step 4 - Convert All Paths to White

Completing the maze means converting all paths you made to white (or any other single color you choose) to hide the correct solution..

Step 5 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution. This will be very easy since that line was made earlier.

4 Additional Cut-Thru Maze examples

Below is another example of a cut-thru maze, a Tile Maze. This maze of a black and white tile uses the contrasting color of the tile to create the pathway you solve with. THe pathway switches colors from black to white based on the background color.

A second example of a cut-thru maze is the Record Maze. The solver must travel on paths cut-thru the black record to solve the maze.

For my third example I have this Pineapple Maze, to show that the background you use does not need to be solid, or either black or white as they are above.

Have you ever wanted to see a cut-thru Cheese Maze ? I have you covered with this next example. I wanted to show this example to illustrate that you do not need to use a standard grid to make this type of maze (although I typically use them anyway). The cheese is mazed using an Axonometric grid.

Making a Cut Thru Maze Video

Here is a quick video of a very basic cut thru maze being made if you are more visual.

You can check out a whole months worth of examples of cut thru mazes I made in June of 2020, now an archived page.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make an Arrow Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. For the fifth example we will look at the arrow maze construction. It is one of the most enjoyable maze constructions to make. Let’s define what I mean by Arrow maze, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type. If you want to watch of a video of the making of an arrow maze that is included at the end of the post.

Arrow Maze - A maze that involves following arrows in the direction shown with a few decisions along the way to create the maze solving aspect. Standard movement is one grid at a time (vs an Slide Arrow Maze that allows multiple grids per move). A well designed arrow maze has no dead ends, but rather loops that return you to an earlier part of the maze.

HOW TO MAKE AN ARROW MAZE

• Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio. But arrow mazes are generally made of grids, so any configuration or shape you can make from grids would be suitable for an arrow maze.

• Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati. Unlike most mazes the Arrow maze does NOT use arrows to indicate the start and goal, but rather colored boxes (or boxes indicated with the words START and GOAL). In the example below you start in the orange box and end in the red, this format of course will require directions to be added later. As with most mazes, you do have the option to choose your Goal at a later time as you progress thru the maze.

• Step 2 - Draw the Grid Design

Draw a grid design to fill the outline with blocks that will contain the arrows. The use of Ohio does not make the best example since some outer blocks are oddly shaped, but it still works !

• Step 3 - Draw the Arrows off to the side

Unique for this maze is that prep-work will help with the mazes construction. An arrow maze can be moved thru in 8 main directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW). I like to create an arrow and then rotate the arrow to the needed directions to make the construction of the maze more efficient. I also make one “choice” arrow with multiple directions that I can rotate as needed. For advanced Arrow mazes there are a few other options I will show in my other examples section, but these basic arrows are a good start.

• Step 4 - Start Filling in Arrows

Beginning from the starting block, add arrows to create pathways away from the block. Any block touching the starting block can be a first move. Arrows that face the starting block will return you back immediately. While constructing an Arrow maze you should have at least one path back to the starting block for false paths. Unlike most mazes, an Arrow path has no dead ends (ideally), only loops to earlier parts of the maze.

Notice how I created false paths that bring you back to the start. I find that return loops are much more enjoyable than dead ends when solving a maze.

• Step 5 - Complete the Arrow Maze

To complete an Arrow maze you fill in each block with an arrow. Make sure to never create a dead end or an infinite loop. In this way an Arrow maze can be solved in multiple ways (some loops return to their initial mistake), but there is always a best solution. There are also “short” loops that are less punishing to the solver if they make a wrong choice. Check the decision block in B2 (second column, second row). If you choose to move left rather than down it will bring you right back to where you are in in 4 moves.

• Step 6 (Optional) - Make the Solution

Highlight the solution for the solver that is the quickest path to the goal. For Arrow mazes I like to solve these after a few days to check how enjoyable they are. I also have changed how I show the solution since making this example. I also draw a line following the “path” and only show the correct arrow in red for the L-shaped decision arrows !

Additional Arrow Maze Examples

Here are a few additional examples of Arrow mazes in more traditional forms. The first is in a the most common square grid form. I included this example because it was one of my first formats which included directions and the use of colors for the Start and Goal.

And these are two examples of Arrow mazes in different shaped grids. Any grid shape could work if it has enough options for the solver to be challenged. The maze on the left also includes a decision arrow at 45 degrees.

While making an Arrow Maze can be pretty basic from a movement perspective, there are many options to make it more interesting. Let’s review some the the most common ones I use to make things more challenging.

6 ADDITIONAL ARROW MAZE MOVEMENT OPTIONS

1. The ALL WAYS ARROW allows anyone to land on it to leave the grid in ANY direction. It looks like a star.

2. The DOUBLE MOVE ARROW allows you to jump over grids or spaces in the maze. It works well to get out of tight areas and from a design perspective makes the maze more difficult to solve.

3. RETURN TO START is a grid that you do not want to land on.

4. START / GOAL is my favorite grid type. Instead of telling the solver where the START and the GOAL is you only show them where the 2 possible are. It is the solvers job to find which is which by finding a path between each START/GOAL grid.

5. The SLIDE ARROW allows you to move to any arrow the Slide Arrow is pointing at.

6. WARP GRIDS allow the solver to jump across the maze between each Warp.

Check out my rule movement page from an upcoming book, along with a few examples that showcase the new movements. They make for much harder mazes, and are much more interesting to solve. For all of these mazes I dropped the color start/goal and went with a more traditional and intuitive use of the words “Start” and “Goal”.

Example of moves 1,2,3,6

Slide Arrow Maze

There is also an option to use ONLY Slide Arrows, creating a Slide Arrow Maze. These can be made extremely difficult to solve. Since they are both Arrow Mazes, here is a comparison of the 2 types of Arrow Mazes and their rules for solving:

I did the following 14 Part series where I dive into Arrow mazes in detail. The first 12 blog posts are in order. Click the link to Part 1 and you can follow along through each part.

Arrow Maze Construction and Design:

• Part 1 - Start Locations and Options

• Part 2 - Using Creative Shapes

• Part 3 - Intersections

• Part 4 - Using Loops

Arrow Maze Components:

• Part 5 - Regular Arrows

• Part 6 - Double Arrows

• Part 7 - Using the START GOAL

• Part 8 - Return to Start Block

• Part 9 - Using Warp Zones

• Part 10 - Slide Arrows

• Part 11 - All Ways Arrow

• Part 12 - Long Arrow Use

Extreme Arrow Maze examples:

• Part 13 - Kitchen Sink Examples

• Part 14 - The Largest Arrow Maze in the World (I think)

Arrow Maze Books AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

THE ARROW MAZE BOOK VOLUME 1: AVAILABLE IN 4 LANGUAGES IN BOTH PRINT AND KINDLE EDITIONS

• Part puzzle, part maze, all fun ! Enjoy 100 Arrow Mazes that get more challenging as you move forward. Arrow Mazes don't have walls or dead ends but that doesn't mean you won't get lost ! Perfect for both maze lovers and puzzle solvers. Later puzzles get new solving rules to keep the challenge fresh.

  • Features large size of 8.5 x 11 (Print edition)

  • 100 Arrow Mazes with solutions

  • Unlike most maze books, no pencil is needed - perfect for solving on a Kindle !

  • See Maze 49 below for an example.

A FREE downloadable Arrow Maze book to try

In January 2020 my daily mazes consisted of Arrow Mazes I made using my original design. This book does NOT include any of the new movements which make the mazes more fun and challenging but it is a nice introduction to Arrow Mazes. As the month went on the mazes got larger. This book collects all of the mazes from that month. (If you are wondering Volumes 1 & 2 were retired).

THE ARROW MAZE BOOK - VOLUME 3

31 pages, 32 mazes including the cover

File Size: 715 KB

Features each daily maze from January 2020. Arrow mazes have no dead ends which means they should be easy…right ? Each Arrow maze get progressively harder.

Making of an Arrow Maze Video

Take 2 minutes to watch an Arrow Maze being made. This shows the sped up process I described above.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.