Abstract: A method for changing the shape of a sheet-like workpiece, which has a mould recess formed by reducing the thickness of the material, includes arranging the workpiece on at least two spaced-apart supporting elements of a machine bed, and forming the workpiece into a final shape by step-by-step free bending. The steps of bending a part of the workpiece by lowering an upper die between the supporting elements from a waiting position into a forming position, raising the upper die into the waiting position and moving the position of the workpiece relative to the machine bed in at least one infeed direction are performed repetitively. Before the workpiece is formed into the final shape, a filling element, which is adapted to the mould recess and designed to make up the material thickness, is produced and is arranged in the region of the mould recess. An arrangement is also provided.