PPTX Presentation System

Generate consultant-ready PowerPoint presentations from markdown outlines.

Quick Start

Generate from outline (Inner Chapter template)

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o deck.pptx

Edit existing deck

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --inventory python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --replace '{"slide":3,"old":"2025","new":"2026"}'

Validate quality

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx

Profile custom template

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/profile.py template.pptx --generate-config

Core Workflow

Generate (outline → PPTX)

Create outline with visual type declarations
Run generate command
Validate output

Basic generation

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o output.pptx

With validation

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o output.pptx --validate

Custom template

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o output.pptx
--config custom-config.json --template custom-template.pptx

Parse only (no PPTX)

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md --layout-only -o layout.json

Edit (surgical changes)

Use for text-only changes to < 30% of slides.

Extract content inventory

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --inventory

Replace text (inline JSON)

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx
--replace '{"slide":3,"old":"Q1 2025","new":"Q2 2026"}'

Replace from file

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --replace changes.json -o edited.pptx

Reorder slides (0-indexed)

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --reorder "0,2,1,3,4" -o reordered.pptx

Validate

Basic quality check

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx

With layout coverage analysis

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx --template template.pptx

Compare to reference

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx --reference expected.pptx

Generate diff report

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx --diff other.pptx -o diff.md

Profile (custom templates)

Profile and generate config

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/profile.py template.pptx --generate-config

Specify output location

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/profile.py template.pptx
--name my-template --output-dir ./configs/

Visual Types

Declare visual types in outlines with Visual: type-name .

Type Use When

process-N-phase

Sequential steps (N=2-5)

comparison-N

Side-by-side options (N=2-5)

cards-N

Non-sequential items (N=2-5)

data-contrast

Two opposing metrics

quote-hero

Powerful quote

hero-statement

Single punchy statement

timeline-horizontal

Date-based sequences

table

Genuinely tabular data

bullets

Default (3+ items)

Decision order: sequence → comparison → parallel items → data contrast → quote → table → hero → bullets

Typography Markers

Inline

Marker Result

{blue}text{/blue}

IC brand blue

{bold}text{/bold}

Bold

{italic}text{/italic}

Italic

{question}text?{/question}

Blue italic

{signpost}LABEL{/signpost}

Section label

Paragraph

Marker Result

{bullet:-}

Dash bullet (–)

{bullet:1}

Numbered

{level:N}

Indent level

Example: Full Generation

Project Overview

Visual: hero-statement Transforming operations through digital innovation

Our Approach

Visual: process-4-phase

[Column 1: Discover]

Stakeholder interviews
Competitive audit [Image: research process]

[Column 2: Define]

Workshop facilitation
Strategic framework [Image: workshop]

[Column 3: Design]

Solution architecture
Prototype development [Image: design work]

[Column 4: Deliver]

Implementation
Training & handover [Image: delivery]

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o project.pptx --validate

Example: Edit Workflow

1. Get inventory

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py project.pptx --inventory

Shows: Slide 3, Shape 5: "Q1 2025"

2. Replace

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py project.pptx
--replace '{"slide":3,"old":"Q1 2025","new":"Q2 2026"}' -o updated.pptx

3. Validate

python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py updated.pptx

Mode Decision

Change Type Action

New presentation generate.py

Typos/values (< 30% slides) edit.py

Reorder slides edit.py --reorder

Layout changes Regenerate

Add/remove slides Regenerate

30% slide changes Regenerate

Anti-Patterns

DON'T use edit mode for layout changes (regenerate instead)
DON'T skip visual type decisions (bullets are boring)
DON'T edit > 30% of slides (regenerate instead)
DON'T forget validation step
DON'T use hero-statement for content with 3+ items
DON'T use tables for methodology/process flows
DON'T use bullet lists for side-by-side comparisons

Files

Path Purpose

template/inner-chapter.pptx

Default IC template

template/inner-chapter-config.json

IC template config

.claude/schemas/layout_plan.py

Layout plan schema

pptx-from-layouts

Safety Notice

Copy this and send it to your AI assistant to learn