[MODEL] Multiple self-corrections in one response
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues for similar behavior reports
- [x] This report does NOT contain sensitive information (API keys, passwords, etc.)
Type of Behavior Issue
Other unexpected behavior
What You Asked Claude to Do
Using Powerpoint for Mac. How can I create a one-third pie segment using the Shapes > Pie? The default is 75% pie, but there are no numerical controls or indications of the slice size to create an accurate 33% slice.
What Claude Actually Did
In one response, Claude provided four sets of suggested steps, each time discovering that its solution is inaccurate, correcting itself and presenting the next step as "the actual solution", "the real method" and so on.
Expected Behavior
Claude should have thought through all options it wanted to provide, and either have selected the one that it was most confident resolves the question, or immediately have admitted that it did not have an answer.
Files Affected
Permission Mode
Accept Edits was OFF (manual approval required)
Can You Reproduce This?
Yes, every time with the same prompt
Steps to Reproduce
Open a new session. Ask the question:
Using Powerpoint for Mac. How can I create a one-third pie segment using the Shapes > Pie? The default is 75% pie, but there are no numerical controls or indications of the slice size to create an accurate 33% slice.
There may be more or less self-corrects in the response. But always multiple responses before settling on an answer (which may or may not actually work).
Claude Model
Sonnet
Relevant Conversation
**Output (session one)**
In PowerPoint for Mac, the Pie shape's handles are purely visual with no angle readout, but you can set an exact angle using Format Shape.
1. Insert the Pie shape (Insert > Shapes > Basic Shapes > Pie)
2. Right-click the shape and choose Format Shape
3. In the Format Shape panel, go to Size & Properties (the icon that looks like a square with arrows)
4. You won't find an angle there — instead, the pie sweep is controlled by the yellow diamond handles on the shape itself
The trick for exact control: use the Format Shape > Size section won't help here. Instead:
The actual solution — use a rotation workaround:
1. Draw the Pie shape
2. Double-click the shape or right-click > Edit Points — this doesn't work for pie either
The real method that works:
1. Insert the Pie shape
2. Right-click > Format Shape > Size & Properties
3. Under Size, there's no direct sweep angle
The honest answer is that PowerPoint's Pie shape has no numerical input for the sweep angle. Your practical options:
- Use a Donut/Pie chart instead: Insert > Chart > Pie, set one slice to 33.3% — this gives you pixel-perfect proportions
- Use a circular arc workaround: Draw a circle, then use two rectangles to mask it, or overlap shapes with "Subtract" (Merge Shapes) to cut a precise third
- The Merge Shapes method: Draw a circle + a triangle covering exactly 120° (one-third), then use Format > Merge Shapes > Subtract
The chart approach is the most reliable for a true 33.3% slice without manual calculation.
**Output (session two)**
In PowerPoint for Mac, the Pie shape's arc handles aren't labelled, so you need to set the angle mathematically. One-third of a circle = 120°.
Method: Use "Format Shape" with precise rotation
1. Insert the Pie shape (Insert > Shape > Basic Shapes > Pie)
2. Right-click the shape and choose Format Shape
3. Go to Size & Properties (the icon that looks like a square with arrows)
4. Note: this doesn't directly give you arc angle either
The actual fix — use the yellow adjustment handles precisely:
The Pie shape has two yellow diamond handles that control the arc. The trick is using the Edit Points or Format Shape > Size panel isn't the right path. Instead:
Use rotation math with a workaround:
1. Insert the Pie shape
2. Immediately open Format Shape sidebar
3. Under Size, you won't find arc controls — but you can use Arrange > Rotate > More Rotation Options to confirm positioning
The reliable method:
1. Draw the Pie shape
2. Hold Option and drag one of the yellow handles — this doesn't snap numerically either
3. Instead: right-click > Edit Points — this also won't give you numerical arc control
Best practical solution:
Use a Donut/Pie via SmartArt or a workaround with two shapes:
1. Insert a circle (Oval with Shift held)
2. Insert a rectangle rotated to mask 2/3 of it, or:
Cleanest method — use two triangles:
1. Draw a full circle
2. Draw a triangle covering 240° (the part you want removed)
3. Use Shape Format > Merge Shapes > Subtract
Or, the simplest: the yellow handle on the Pie shape moves in ~15° increments when you hold Option on Mac. For exactly 120°, drag from the default ~270° position and count: you need the arc span to be 120°.
Most reliable precise method:
1. After inserting the Pie, right-click > Format Shape
2. The arc is not directly editable — instead, note that the two handles represent start and end angles
3. Use Format > Size and Position — still no arc field
Honestly, PowerPoint doesn't expose numerical arc controls for the Pie shape. The practical workarounds are:
- Use Google Slides or Keynote — both have numerical arc controls
- Build it from scratch: circle + two lines + Merge Shapes > Intersect to cut a precise 120° wedge
- Import an SVG of a pre-drawn 1/3 pie from a tool like Canva or Figma
The Merge Shapes approach is the most accurate route if you must stay in PowerPoint.Impact
High - Significant unwanted changes
Claude Code Version
2.1.220 (Claude Code)
Platform
Anthropic API
Additional Context
This behaviour is repeatable across different sessions and with different contexts. For example, I have seen the same when asking Claude to fix a sticky-table header problem, Claude takes multiple swings at an answer, and eventually implements one that does not fix the problem.