Particle-based simulations using the discrete element method were applied for the sintering of thin ceramic films that are constrained by a rigid substrate. The inhibition of lateral particle movement in vicinity of the substrate leads to a preferred shrinkage direction perpendicular to the substrate, which causes shape distortion as well as delamination of the film at the interface edges. The amount of particle rearrangement and the height to width aspect ratio of the cross-section are factors that determine the level of shape distortion and edge delamination.