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PPTX Author

OfficialFree

Generate PowerPoint files in headless mode.

by anthropics34.2k stars on anthropics/financial-services
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Updated Aug 4, 2026
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Free · Opens the source repo

What PPTX Author does

The PPTX Author skill is designed for scenarios where you need to create PowerPoint presentations without a live Office application. This skill is particularly useful in managed-agent sessions, allowing users to produce .pptx files directly on disk as file artifacts. Instead of editing a presentation in real-time, you can automate the generation of slides using Python scripts, making it ideal for batch processing or automated reporting workflows.

To use this skill, you will write a short Python script utilizing the python-pptx library. The script can create a presentation from scratch or use a specified template. The output is saved in a designated ./out/ directory, ensuring that the presentation is easily accessible for further use. The skill adheres to conventions that prioritize clarity and traceability, such as ensuring each slide conveys a single idea and that all numerical data is footnoted back to its source.

This skill is particularly suited for developers and data analysts who need to automate the creation of presentations based on data models or reports. By producing a .pptx file rather than interacting with a live document, it streamlines workflows that are otherwise cumbersome in environments where Office applications are not available. Users can focus on crafting the content programmatically while ensuring that the presentation adheres to professional standards.

However, it is important to note that this skill is a fallback option. If the mcp__office__powerpoint_* tools are available, those should be used instead, as they provide a more interactive experience with checkpoints for review within a live document.

When to use it

Use this skill in headless environments where you need to produce PowerPoint files without user interaction.

When not to use it

Avoid using this skill if you have access to live Office tools, as those provide better interactivity and review options.

What you can build with it

Automated Reporting

Generate PowerPoint presentations from data models automatically, ensuring consistent formatting and content.

Batch Presentation Creation

Create multiple presentations in one go by running a script that processes various datasets.

Template-Based Presentations

Use firm-specific templates to maintain branding while automating the slide creation process.

How to install PPTX Author

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add anthropics/financial-services/pptx-author --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by anthropics

pptx-author

Use this skill when running headless (managed-agent / CMA mode) and you need to deliver a PowerPoint deck as a file artifact rather than editing a live document via mcp__office__powerpoint_*.

Output contract

  • Write to ./out/<name>.pptx. Create ./out/ if it does not exist.
  • Return the relative path in your final message so the orchestration layer can collect it.

How to build the deck

Write a short Python script and run it with Bash. Use python-pptx:

from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt

prs = Presentation("./templates/firm-template.pptx")  # if a template is provided
# or: prs = Presentation()

slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])    # title-only
slide.shapes.title.text = "Valuation Summary"
# ... add tables / charts / text boxes ...

prs.save("./out/pitch-<target>.pptx")

Conventions (mirror the live-Office pitch-deck skill)

  • One idea per slide. Title states the takeaway; body supports it.
  • Every number traces to the model. If a figure comes from ./out/model.xlsx, footnote the sheet and cell.
  • Use the firm template when one is mounted at ./templates/; otherwise default layouts.
  • Charts: prefer embedding a PNG rendered from the model over native pptx charts when fidelity matters.
  • No external sends. This skill writes a file; it never emails or uploads.

When NOT to use

If mcp__office__powerpoint_* tools are available (Cowork plugin mode), use those instead — they drive the user's live document with review checkpoints. This skill is the file-producing fallback for headless runs.

Frequently asked questions about PPTX Author

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