Jigsaw
Jigsaw may refer to several things, including a type of power tool, a puzzle, or various uses in arts, entertainment, business, and technology.Primary meanings
Jigsaw (tool)
A jigsaw is a handheld power tool designed as a reciprocating saw, primarily used for making irregular curves and intricate cuts in materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and laminate.[1] It operates by driving a thin, fine-toothed blade in an up-and-down motion, allowing for precise control in woodworking, DIY projects, and light fabrication tasks.[2] The tool's versatility stems from its ability to handle both straight and curved lines, making it essential for applications like trimming laminates or shaping decorative pieces.[3] Key components of a jigsaw include an electric motor, typically rated at 3.5 to 7 amps in corded models for sufficient power in demanding cuts; a replaceable blade with fine teeth, secured via T-shank or U-shank fittings for compatibility across brands; a stable base plate, often adjustable for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees; and controls for variable speed (usually 500 to 3,200 strokes per minute) and orbital action to adjust aggressiveness based on material hardness.[4][5][6] These elements enable the jigsaw to balance precision with efficiency, though blade selection is critical for optimal performance—finer teeth for smooth scrolling cuts and coarser ones for faster straight-line work.[5] The jigsaw's historical development traces back to the early 20th century, evolving from manual fretsaws used for detailed work, with the first electric version patented in 1947 by Albert Kaufmann, an engineer at Scintilla AG in Switzerland (now part of Bosch).[7] This innovation applied a sewing machine-like reciprocating mechanism to power the blade, transitioning from labor-intensive hand tools to accessible electric models in the 1940s.[8] Brands like Bosch and Makita popularized the tool post-World War II, refining designs for hobbyists and professionals, and it became a staple in woodworking and DIY by the mid-20th century.[7] The tool's name also relates briefly to its early use in cutting pieces for recreational puzzles.[7] Modern jigsaws come in corded variants for consistent power in prolonged use and battery-powered models for portability, with variable-speed options allowing adaptation to tasks like metal cutting (low speed) or wood (higher speed).[9] Specialized blades further diversify applications, such as those for scrolling intricate patterns or straight demolition cuts.[5] Safety features include blade guards, ergonomic handles to reduce vibration, and lock-on triggers to minimize fatigue, while usage techniques emphasize securing the workpiece with clamps, starting the tool at full speed before contact, and installing blades by releasing a tool-free lever after unplugging or removing the battery.[10] Dust extraction ports, compatible with shop vacuums, help maintain visibility and reduce inhalation risks during operation.[11] Always wear personal protective equipment like safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask to guard against flying debris and noise.[12]Jigsaw puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle consisting of small, irregularly shaped interlocking pieces that, when assembled, form a complete image, typically printed on cardboard or wood substrate. The pieces feature tabs and blanks along their edges to facilitate connection, creating a cohesive picture such as a landscape, artwork, or photograph. Originating as educational tools, these puzzles challenge spatial reasoning and pattern recognition while serving as recreational activities for all ages.[13][14] The invention of the jigsaw puzzle is credited to London cartographer John Spilsbury around 1760, who created the first known examples by mounting maps on wood and cutting them into pieces along country borders to teach geography to children. These "dissected maps" were sold to schools and marked the beginning of puzzles as commercial educational aids. By the 19th century, advancements in scroll saw technology allowed for more intricate designs, leading to broader commercialization and popularity among adults, with puzzles often depicting scenic views or historical scenes. Popularity surged during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when inexpensive die-cut cardboard puzzles provided affordable entertainment and a sense of accomplishment amid economic hardship. The name "jigsaw" derives from the jigsaw tool, a specialized scroll saw used in early production to cut the pieces.[14][15][16] Manufacturing begins with printing or gluing a high-resolution image onto a sturdy substrate like recycled cardboard or wood. A custom steel die, hand-crafted to interlock precisely, is then used in a mechanical press to cut the material into hundreds or thousands of pieces, ensuring irregular edges for uniqueness and challenge. Pieces are inspected for quality, sorted by difficulty levels—ranging from 100 to over 5,000 pieces—and packaged in bags or boxes with the reference image. This process enables mass production, with modern facilities producing millions of puzzles annually.[17][18] Jigsaw puzzles come in various types beyond the standard two-dimensional format, including three-dimensional versions like puzzle globes or architectural models that assemble into sculptural forms. Panoramic puzzles feature elongated images for wide scenes, while glow-in-the-dark variants use phosphorescent inks for nighttime visibility. Custom-printed puzzles allow personalization with personal photos or designs, often produced on demand.[19][20] Culturally, jigsaw puzzles hold significance in therapy, where assembling them enhances cognitive function, reduces stress, and boosts dopamine release to improve mood and concentration, particularly benefiting those with dementia or anxiety. In art, they inspire fractal designs—mathematically generated patterns that repeat at scales—creating visually complex puzzles that blend recreation with aesthetic exploration. Notable records include the Guinness World Record for the most pieces: 551,232, completed by students in Vietnam in 2011; and a 48,000-piece commercially available puzzle by Grafika assembled in 2017, depicting global landmarks, highlighting the hobby's scale and communal appeal. Today, the market is dominated by companies like Ravensburger, known for precision-cut pieces, and Buffalo Games, a leading U.S. producer of diverse themed puzzles.[21][22][23][24][25][26][27]Arts and entertainment
Fictional characters
John Kramer, better known by his alias Jigsaw, serves as the primary antagonist across the Saw film franchise. A civil engineer diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Kramer undergoes a failed experimental treatment that exacerbates his condition, prompting a suicide attempt from which he survives. This experience transforms him into a vigilante serial killer who designs intricate, life-or-death traps to force his victims—often those he deems morally corrupt—to confront their flaws and value their existence, embodying his philosophy of survival and redemption.[28] Kramer makes his debut in the 2004 film Saw, where he is revealed as the mastermind behind the killings, portrayed by actor Tobin Bell in a role that spans multiple installments, including his return in Saw X (2023).[29][30] Billy Russo, who adopts the moniker Jigsaw after a disfiguring encounter, is a prominent supervillain in Marvel Comics, most notably as a recurring adversary to the Punisher. Initially a handsome and ruthless mob enforcer nicknamed "the Beaut" for the Costa crime family, Russo's face is shattered by the Punisher during a confrontation, leaving scars that evoke the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and fueling his obsessive quest for vengeance. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Ross Andru, the character first appears in The Amazing Spider-Man #162 (November 1976), but establishes himself as the Punisher's nemesis in The Punisher #1 (January 1986), where he allies with prison inmates in a bid to eliminate his foe.[31] In live-action adaptations, Russo is reimagined as a former Marine and close friend of Frank Castle turned betrayer, portrayed by Ben Barnes across seasons 1 and 2 of the Netflix series Marvel's The Punisher (2017–2019).[32] Across these portrayals, Jigsaw characters commonly explore themes of fragmentation—both literal, through scarred or dissected forms, and metaphorical, via broken psyches—and revenge driven by personal trauma. They often inflict psychological torment, compelling victims or heroes to reassemble their lives or morals under duress. In adaptations, such as Kramer's evolution from silent orchestrator to delivering philosophical monologues on human wastefulness, these figures deepen, highlighting shifts from pure sadism to ideological justification.[28]Film and television
In the horror genre, the Saw film franchise prominently features Jigsaw as its central antagonist, a serial killer who designs elaborate traps to test victims' will to survive. The series debuted with Saw in 2004, establishing Jigsaw's philosophy of forcing moral reckonings through deadly games.[33] Subsequent installments expanded on this lore, with Jigsaw's influence persisting through apprentices and posthumous traps. The 2017 film Jigsaw, the eighth entry in the franchise, was directed by Michael and Peter Spierig and produced on a $10 million budget. It follows a group of strangers trapped in a series of interconnected "legacy" traps at an abandoned meatpacking plant, echoing Jigsaw's original methods while introducing new victims accused of crimes like medical negligence and hit-and-run. The narrative ties back to the franchise's roots by revealing early apprentice Logan Nelson as the perpetrator, using pre-recorded instructions from the late John Kramer to maintain the illusion of his survival. The film grossed $102.9 million worldwide, marking a profitable return for the series after a six-year hiatus. Critically, it holds a 32% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers noting its emphasis on graphic gore and twists over coherent plotting or scares.[34] Outside the Saw series, earlier films used "Jigsaw" in titles to evoke themes of piecing together fragmented lives or identities. The 1962 British crime drama Jigsaw, directed by Val Guest, centers on detectives investigating the murder of a woman found strangled in a seaside cottage near Brighton; they reconstruct her final days through interviews, uncovering a web of illicit affairs and hidden motives. Starring Jack Warner as a methodical inspector, the film adopts a procedural style inspired by real-life police techniques, running 93 minutes and emphasizing routine inquiry over sensationalism.[35] The 1983 espionage thriller The Jigsaw Man, directed by Terence Young, stars Michael Caine as Samuel Follet, a former MI6 agent who defects to the Soviets, undergoes reconstructive facial surgery, and is sent back to Britain to retrieve a damaging microfilm. Co-starring Laurence Olivier as a pursuing spymaster, the plot unfolds amid Cold War intrigue, double-crosses, and chases, though production was hampered by funding shortages that scaled back action sequences. Made on a modest budget estimated under $5 million, it earned approximately $500,000 domestically and received mixed-to-negative reviews, scoring 39% on Rotten Tomatoes for its uneven pacing and dated spy tropes despite a strong cast.[36][37] In television, "Jigsaw" has appeared in episode titles unrelated to the Saw character, such as the 1968 Man in a Suitcase installment "Jigsaw Man," where freelance agent McGill aids a disfigured veteran piecing together his shattered life after a wartime injury. The Saw franchise's Jigsaw has inspired brief parodies in animated series, including guest spots in Annoying Orange episodes mimicking the killer's trap setups for comedic effect.[38]Music
Jigsaw was a British pop rock band formed in Coventry in 1966, initially as a songwriting duo by keyboardist and vocalist Clive Scott and drummer and vocalist Des Dyer, later expanding to include bassist Barrie Bernard and guitarist Tony Campbell.[39][40] The group blended upbeat pop melodies with rock elements, achieving commercial success in the 1970s through melodic hooks and harmonious vocals. They released 12 studio albums from 1970 to 1981, including Letherslade Farm (1970), Aurora Borealis (1972), and Journey into Space (1978).[41] Their music often featured themes of love and escapism, contributing to their appeal in both the UK and US markets. The band's signature hit, "Sky High," written by Scott and Dyer, topped charts worldwide after its 1975 release, reaching number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 21 weeks.[42][43] This track, with its soaring falsetto and infectious rhythm, exemplified their pop-rock style and marked their breakthrough, leading to follow-up singles like "If I Have to Go Away" and "Love Fire." Jigsaw's discography reflects a prolific output, with over a dozen albums showcasing their evolution from psychedelic influences to polished soft rock, though they remained best known for their mid-1970s singles. The band disbanded in the early 1980s following declining chart performance.[44] Beyond the band, "Jigsaw Puzzle" is a notable track by the Rolling Stones from their 1968 album Beggars Banquet, employing the jigsaw metaphor to evoke fragmented urban chaos and personal introspection amid raw blues-rock instrumentation.[45] The song's lyrics paint a vivid, disjointed portrait of societal outcasts, aligning with the album's gritty thematic depth. Additionally, Jigsaw's "Sky High" served as the main title theme for the 1975 action film The Man from Hong Kong, integrating their music into cinematic soundtracks and extending its cultural reach.[46]Other uses in arts and entertainment
In literature, "The Jigsaw Man" is a science fiction short story by Larry Niven, first published in 1967 as part of the Dangerous Visions anthology, exploring the ethical and legal implications of advanced organ transplantation technology in a future society where executed criminals' bodies are harvested for parts.[47] The narrative centers on a convicted murderer facing execution by dismemberment for transplant purposes, highlighting tensions between justice and medical demand.[48] Another literary reference is the semi-autobiographical novel Jigsaw: An Unsentimental Education by Sybille Bedford, published in 1989 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize, which recounts the author's youth in interwar Europe through fragmented, mosaic-like vignettes of family life and cultural shifts.[49] The work blends memoir and fiction to depict a peripatetic existence across Germany, Italy, and England, emphasizing themes of displacement and intellectual awakening.[50] In video games, the Jigsaw Puzzle Pack series serves as downloadable content for Pixel Puzzles Ultimate on Steam, offering collections of digital jigsaw puzzles with thousands of pieces across themes like nature, surrealism, and holidays, enabling customizable difficulty and piece counts for players.[51] These packs, released starting around 2016, exemplify the genre's focus on relaxing, tactile assembly in a virtual environment.[52] Theater and performance art have incorporated jigsaw motifs in interactive puzzle plays and installations, such as fragmented sculptures that evoke the disassembly and reconstruction process. For instance, artist Tim Klein's puzzle montages repurpose pieces from mass-produced jigsaws to create surreal, hybridized images, blurring boundaries between complete and incomplete forms in gallery settings.[53] These works transform the puzzle's inherent fragmentation into commentary on perception and unintended narratives.[54] The proliferation of digital jigsaw applications surged after 2010, driven by the advent of multitouch interfaces on smartphones and tablets, which allowed for intuitive dragging, rotating, and snapping of virtual pieces, making the activity accessible and portable for casual users. Popular apps like those from Jigsaw Planet and Magic Jigsaw Puzzles capitalized on this, offering vast libraries of user-generated images and adaptive difficulty to suit diverse skill levels.Businesses and organizations
Retail and fashion
Jigsaw is a British fashion retailer founded in 1970 by John Robinson, who opened the first store in Hampstead, London, with a focus on bringing elevated design to the high street inspired by international influences such as Japanese aesthetics.[55] Headquartered in Kew, southwest London, the brand specializes in contemporary womenswear, menswear, accessories, and childrenswear under the Jigsaw Junior line, emphasizing timeless style over fleeting trends through high-quality fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship.[56] As of 2025, Jigsaw operates 42 stores across the United Kingdom, including locations in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, complemented by a robust online presence via its e-commerce platform.[57] The brand's product lines feature versatile pieces such as tailored coats, silk dresses, and leather accessories, often produced in limited runs to promote exclusivity and longevity in wardrobes. Jigsaw has pursued collaborations with notable designers and artists, including Roksanda Ilinčić for architectural color-blocked collections in 2023 and 2024, and Collagerie for printed silk scarves and blouses that sold out rapidly upon launch.[58][59] Jigsaw Junior, introduced in 1996 initially for girls' clothing, expanded to include boys' lines and now offers dresses, coats, and playsuits for ages 4 to 12, reflecting the brand's growth into family-oriented fashion.[60] In terms of business milestones, Jigsaw navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic with a 2020 Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) that closed 13 stores and renegotiated rents for 41 others, reducing its footprint from 74 locations while making around 200 redundancies from a total of 900 employees.[60] Post-restructuring, the retailer reported annual revenues of approximately £102 million for the fiscal year ending in 2019, dropping to £47.7 million by January 2022 amid lockdowns but rebounding with a 24% sales increase driven by strong online performance and renewed store traffic.[61][62] Since the late 2010s, Jigsaw has emphasized sustainable practices, incorporating recycled polyester certified by the Global Recycled Standard and organic cotton into its collections, alongside initiatives like garment repair services and pre-loved resale programs to reduce waste.[63][64] In 2025, the company secured a £5 million investment from Carphone Warehouse co-founder David Ross, establishing him as the majority shareholder and supporting further expansion, including new store openings in key UK locations.[65]Technology and incubation
Jigsaw is a technology incubator within Alphabet Inc., originally established as Google Ideas in 2010 and rebranded as Jigsaw in February 2016 under the leadership of Jared Cohen, a former Google executive and State Department advisor.[66] The organization focuses on developing tools to address geopolitical challenges at the intersection of technology and society, including digital security, online censorship, and information access.[66] Initially operating as an independent Alphabet subsidiary, Jigsaw was integrated into Google in February 2020 to align more closely with the parent company's broader innovation efforts.[67] Among its key projects, Jigsaw launched the Perspective API in 2017, a machine learning-based tool designed to detect toxic comments and foster healthier online discussions by scoring text for attributes like toxicity and identity attack.[68] The API, which is free for developers, has been integrated by platforms such as Reddit, The New York Times, and international publishers like Le Monde to moderate user-generated content.[69] Another prominent initiative is Outline VPN, released in 2018 as an open-source tool that enables users to deploy their own virtual private networks on cloud servers, particularly aiding journalists and activists in regions with internet censorship by resisting blocking techniques.[70] Outline emphasizes user control and scalability, supporting access for multiple individuals through secure keys.[71] Jigsaw's work targets global issues such as countering violent extremism, protecting privacy, and mitigating cyber threats, with tools aimed at empowering individuals and organizations against digital harms.[66] The team comprises a diverse group of engineers, researchers, and policy experts, including former diplomats, to blend technical innovation with geopolitical insight.[72] By 2023, Jigsaw's projects had been adopted by partners across multiple countries, contributing to efforts like election security and counter-terrorism content moderation on smaller platforms.[73] In 2024, Jigsaw open-sourced Altitude, a counterterrorism tool to assist smaller online platforms in detecting and addressing extremist content.[74]Computing and technology
Software systems
The Jigsaw project, part of the OpenJDK initiative, developed the Java Platform Module System (JPMS), a standard module system for the Java SE platform introduced in Java 9 in September 2017 by Oracle.[75][76] This system modularizes the Java Development Kit (JDK) to provide better encapsulation of internal APIs, addressing long-standing issues such as the "classpath hell" where dependencies were managed through flat, unstructured paths leading to conflicts and maintenance challenges.[77] By restructuring the JDK into modules, JPMS enables developers to create smaller, more efficient runtime images, resulting in reduced startup times and lower memory usage for applications.[76] Key features of JPMS include module descriptors defined inmodule-info.java files, which specify a module's name, dependencies (via requires directives), exported packages (via exports), and services (via provides and uses for dependency injection-like mechanisms using the ServiceLoader API).[77] The jlink tool allows linking of modules into custom runtime configurations, excluding unused components to optimize deployment size and performance.[76] These elements promote strong encapsulation, preventing unauthorized access to internal JDK elements like sun.* packages, while supporting reliable configuration at build time rather than runtime.[77]
JPMS adoption has been prominent in enterprise applications, where it enhances scalability and maintainability for large-scale Java systems by enforcing modular boundaries and reducing the footprint of the JDK.[78] In Android development, which relies on Java, JPMS supports modular code organization through backward compatibility features like automatic modules, allowing non-modular JARs to be treated as modules without full refactoring.[77] The project originated in August 2008 under OpenJDK, evolving through multiple deferrals from planned Java 7 and 8 releases before final integration into Java 9 via JSR 376.[75]
W3C Jigsaw is an open-source, Java-based web server developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) starting in 1996. It served as a reference implementation for HTTP/1.1 and other emerging web standards, featuring a modular, extensible architecture that allowed for easy experimentation with new protocols and features. Primarily used as a technology demonstrator rather than a production server, it influenced early web server design and remains available as a historical artifact.[79]