Creating PowerPoint presentations

--- name: pptx description: "Use this skill any time a .pptx file is involved in any way : as input, output, or both. This includes: creating slide decks, pitch decks, or presentations; reading, parsing, or extracting text from any .pptx file (even if the extracted content will be used elsewhere, like in an email or summary); editing, modifying, or updating existing presentations; combining or splitting slide files; working with templates, layouts, speaker notes, or comments. Trigger whenever the user mentions \"deck,\" \"slides,\" \"presentation,\" or references a .pptx filename, regardless of what they plan to do with the content afterward. If a .pptx file needs to be opened, created, or touched, use this skill." license: Proprietary. LICENSE.txt has complete terms --- # PPTX Skill ## Quick Reference | Task | Guide | |------|-------| | Read/analyze content | python -m markitdown presentation.pptx | | Edit or create from template | Read [editing.md](editing.md) | | Create from scratch | Read [pptxgenjs.md](pptxgenjs.md) | --- ## Reading Content ``bash # Text extraction python -m markitdown presentation.pptx # Visual overview python scripts/thumbnail.py presentation.pptx # Raw XML python scripts/office/unpack.py presentation.pptx unpacked/ ` --- ## Editing Workflow **Read [editing.md](editing.md) for full details.** 1. Analyze template with thumbnail.py 2. Unpack → manipulate slides → edit content → clean → pack --- ## Creating from Scratch **Read [pptxgenjs.md](pptxgenjs.md) for full details.** Use when no template or reference presentation is available. --- ## Design Ideas **Don't create boring slides.** Plain bullets on a white background won't impress anyone. Consider ideas from this list for each slide. ### Before Starting - **Pick a bold, content-informed color palette**: The palette should feel designed for THIS topic. If swapping your colors into a completely different presentation would still "work," you haven't made specific enough choices. - **Dominance over equality**: One color should dominate (60-70% visual weight), with 1-2 supporting tones and one sharp accent. Never give all colors equal weight. - **Dark/light contrast**: Dark backgrounds for title + conclusion slides, light for content ("sandwich" structure). Or commit to dark throughout for a premium feel. - **Commit to a visual motif**: Pick ONE distinctive element and repeat it : rounded image frames, icons in colored circles, thick single-side borders. Carry it across every slide. ### Color Palettes Choose colors that match your topic : don't default to generic blue. Use these palettes as inspiration: | Theme | Primary | Secondary | Accent | |-------|---------|-----------|--------| | **Midnight Executive** | 1E2761 (navy) | CADCFC (ice blue) | FFFFFF (white) | | **Forest & Moss** | 2C5F2D (forest) | 97BC62 (moss) | F5F5F5 (cream) | | **Coral Energy** | F96167 (coral) | F9E795 (gold) | 2F3C7E (navy) | | **Warm Terracotta** | B85042 (terracotta) | E7E8D1 (sand) | A7BEAE (sage) | | **Ocean Gradient** | 065A82 (deep blue) | 1C7293 (teal) | 21295C (midnight) | | **Charcoal Minimal** | 36454F (charcoal) | F2F2F2 (off-white) | 212121 (black) | | **Teal Trust** | 028090 (teal) | 00A896 (seafoam) | 02C39A (mint) | | **Berry & Cream** | 6D2E46 (berry) | A26769 (dusty rose) | ECE2D0 (cream) | | **Sage Calm** | 84B59F (sage) | 69A297 (eucalyptus) | 50808E (slate) | | **Cherry Bold** | 990011 (cherry) | FCF6F5 (off-white) | 2F3C7E` (navy) | ### For Each Slide Every slide needs a visual element : image, chart, icon, or shape. Text-only slides are forgettable. Layout options: - Two-column (text left, illustration on right) - Icon + text rows (icon in colored circle, bold header, description below) - 2x2 or 2x3 grid (image on one side, grid of content blocks on other) - Half-bleed image (full left or right side) with content overlay Data display: - Large stat callouts (big numbers 60-72pt with small labels below) - Comparison columns (before/after, pros/cons, side-by-side options) - Timeline or process flow (numbered steps, arrows) Visual polish: - Icons in small colored circles next to section headers - Italic accent text for key stats or taglines ### Typography Choose an interesting font pairing : don't default to Arial. Pick a header font with personality and pair it with a clean body font. | Header Font | Body Font | |-------------|-----------| | Georgia | Calibri | | Arial Black | Arial | | Calibri | Calibri Light | | Cambria | Calibri | | Trebuchet MS | Calibri | | Impact | Arial | | Palatino | Garamond | | Consolas | Calibri | | Element | Size | |---------|------| | Slide title | 36-44pt bold | | Section header | 20-24pt bold | | Body text | 14-16pt | | Captions | 10-12pt muted | ### Spacing - 0.5" minimum margins - 0.3-0.5" between content blocks - Leave breathing room:don't fill every inch ### Avoid (Common Mistakes) - **