tristan-mcinnis PPTX from Layouts
Generate consultant-quality PowerPoint presentations from markdown outlines using your template's actual slide master layouts.
Overview
Most PowerPoint generation approaches overlay text on template slides, fighting with backgrounds and decorative elements. This skill properly uses slide master layouts, placing content in actual placeholders to preserve professional design.
Installation
npx skills add <owner>/pptx-from-layouts-skill
Then install dependencies:
pip install python-pptx
Core Commands
Generate Presentation
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/generate.py outline.md -o presentation.pptx
Profile Custom Template
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/profile.py your-template.pptx --generate-config
Edit Existing Deck
# View content inventory
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --inventory
# Replace text
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --replace '{"slide":3,"old":"2025","new":"2026"}'
# Reorder slides
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/edit.py deck.pptx --reorder "0,2,1,3,4" -o reordered.pptx
Validate Output
python .claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/scripts/validate.py deck.pptx
Outline Format
Write markdown with visual type declarations:
# Project Overview
**Visual: hero-statement**
Transforming operations through digital innovation
---
# Our Approach
**Visual: process-3-phase**
[Column 1: Discover]
- Stakeholder interviews
- Competitive audit
[Column 2: Define]
- Workshop facilitation
- Strategic framework
[Column 3: Deliver]
- Implementation
- Training & handover
---
# Investment Summary
**Visual: table**
| Category | Investment |
|----------|------------|
| Research | $50,000 |
| Design | $75,000 |
| **Total** | **$125,000** |
Visual Types
| Type | Use When |
|---|---|
hero-statement |
Single punchy tagline |
process-N-phase |
Sequential steps (N=2-5) |
comparison-N |
Side-by-side options |
cards-N |
Discrete parallel items |
data-contrast |
Two opposing metrics |
quote-hero |
Powerful quote |
timeline-horizontal |
Date-based sequences |
table |
Genuinely tabular data |
bullets |
Default for 3+ items |
Selection order: sequence → comparison → parallel items → data contrast → quote → table → hero → bullets
Typography Markers
Inline Formatting
| Marker | Result |
|---|---|
{blue}text{/blue} |
Brand accent color |
{bold}text{/bold} |
Bold |
{italic}text{/italic} |
Italic |
{question}text?{/question} |
Emphasized question |
Paragraph Formatting
| Marker | Result |
|---|---|
{bullet:-} |
Dash bullet |
{bullet:1} |
Numbered |
{level:N} |
Indent level |
Decision Guide
| 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 use
hero-statementfor content with 3+ items - DON'T use tables for methodology/process flows
- DON'T use bullet lists for side-by-side comparisons
Requirements
- Python 3.10+
- python-pptx library
File Structure
.claude/skills/pptx-from-layouts/
scripts/
generate.py # Outline → PPTX generation
edit.py # Surgical edits to existing decks
validate.py # Quality validation
profile.py # Template profiling
references/
layouts.md # Template layout indices
rules/
visual-types.md # Visual type selection guide
typography.md # Text formatting reference
outline-format.md # Markdown syntax
lib/ # Core library modules
schemas/ # Pydantic schemas
templates/
inner-chapter.pptx # Default template