| id | skill-pptx-workbench |
| name | PPTX Workbench — Slides, Layouts & Automation |
| description | Generate, refactor, and analyze PowerPoint (.pptx) decks using HTML-to-PPT workflows, OOXML tooling, and scripting helpers. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | brAInwav Documentation Guild |
| owner | @jamiescottcraik |
| category | documentation |
| difficulty | advanced |
| tags | pptx, presentation, ooxml, automation, slides |
| estimatedTokens | 4600 |
| license | Complete terms in LICENSE.txt |
| requiredTools | node, python, pandoc, pptx |
| prerequisites | Install Node 24 Active LTS with npm (via mise), Install Python 3.11+ with python-pptx/lxml, Read `resources/html2pptx.md` and `resources/ooxml.md` fully |
| relatedSkills | skill-docx-workbench, skill-pdf-workbench |
| resources | ./resources/html2pptx.md, ./resources/ooxml.md, ./resources/scripts/html2pptx.js, ./resources/scripts/thumbnail.py, ./resources/scripts/rearrange.py, ./resources/scripts/inventory.py, ./resources/scripts/replace.py, ./resources/LICENSE.txt |
| deprecated | false |
| replacedBy | null |
| impl | packages/doc-tools/src/pptx_workbench.ts#createDeck |
| inputs | [object Object] |
| outputs | [object Object] |
| preconditions | Brand/style requirements documented (fonts, colors, layout)., Source assets collected (images, data tables, HTML templates)., North-star acceptance test describes the final slide outcomes. |
| sideEffects | Generates thumbnails, JSON inventories, and HTML staging files., Writes logs to `logs/pptx-workbench/`. |
| estimatedCost | $0.004 / deck workflow (~800 tokens across generation + validation). |
| calls | skill-creator |
| requiresContext | memory://skills/skill-pptx-workbench/historical-runs |
| providesContext | memory://skills/skill-pptx-workbench/latest-slide-deck |
| monitoring | true |
| lifecycle | [object Object] |
| estimatedDuration | PT50M |
| i18n | [object Object] |
| persuasiveFraming | [object Object] |
| observability | [object Object] |
| governance | [object Object] |
| schemaStatus | [object Object] |
PPTX Workbench — Slides, Layouts & Automation
When to Use
- Building slide decks from structured HTML or markdown content.
- Auditing slides for branding compliance, asset inventory, or layout issues.
- Reordering, replacing, or pruning slides programmatically.
- Generating thumbnails for reviews or embedding in documentation.
How to Apply
- Gather content sources (HTML spec, existing PPTX) and brand requirements.
- Choose workflow: use
html2pptxfor generation,rearrange.pyfor ordering,replace.pyfor swaps,inventory.pyfor audits,thumbnail.pyfor previews. - Run the relevant scripts (ensure Node/Python deps installed) and capture logs/output artefacts.
- Manually review sample slides, confirm fonts/colors, and adjust scripts as needed.
- Log Local Memory findings and attach artefacts to the task/PR for reviewer validation.
Success Criteria
- Deck meets brand guidance (colors, typography) and passes manual spot checks.
- Inventory reports accurately list slides, assets, and notes.
- Automated rearrange/replace operations maintain expected slide content.
- Evidence bundle includes generated deck, thumbnails, logs, and inventory JSON.
- Local Memory entry records workflow effectiveness ≥0.8 with artefact IDs.
0) Mission Snapshot — What / Why / Where / How / Result
- What: Provide a repeatable pipeline for generating and refactoring PowerPoint decks with automation.
- Why: Reduces manual slide edits, enforces branding, and accelerates deck delivery.
- Where: Cortex-OS marketing, customer success, executive briefings, and internal enablement.
- How: Use HTML-to-PPT conversion, OOXML scripting, and audit utilities bundled with this skill.
- Result: Production-ready deck plus evidence (logs/thumbnails/inventory) for review.
1) Contract — Inputs → Outputs
Inputs: source HTML/PPTX, workflow operations, asset directories, brand rules. Outputs: updated PPTX deck, thumbnails, inventory reports, logs, Local Memory records.
2) Preconditions & Safeguards
- Confirm asset licensing and brand palette before generation.
- Validate Node/Python dependencies; run in sandboxed environment if executing untrusted HTML.
- Keep original deck backups for diffing and rollback.
3) Implementation Playbook (RED→GREEN→REFACTOR)
- Plan (RED): Identify slide structure, brand requirements, and automation steps (generation vs edit).
- Execute (GREEN): Run html2pptx or scripts sequentially, verifying logs and intermediate previews.
- Refine (REFACTOR): Inspect resulting deck, adjust scripts for layout issues, rerun until quality gates satisfied.
4) Observability & Telemetry Hooks
- Log each script invocation with parameters and outputs.
- Store thumbnails and inventory JSON for quick reviews.
- Track slide counts and asset usage to ensure completeness.
5) Safety, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure logos/fonts meet licensing requirements before distribution.
- Remove confidential placeholders prior to sharing with external audiences.
- Document any manual adjustments and open follow-up tasks if automation gaps remain.
6) Success Criteria & Acceptance Tests
- Deck opens in PowerPoint/Keynote without warnings; brand audit passes.
- Inventory JSON matches slide count and content requirements.
- Reviewer checklist signed off with no major issues pending.
- Evidence Triplet stored (initial conversion log, corrected run, proof of compliance).
7) Failure Modes & Recovery
- HTML conversion misaligned: Adjust templates or CSS in html2pptx pipeline; regenerate.
- Assets missing: Update paths or include resources in the skill bundle; re-run inventory.
- Brand mismatches: Use
inventory.pyto identify fonts/colors; update templates or slide masters. - Large decks: Break into modules; merge later via docx/pptx tools.
8) Worked Examples & Snippets
resources/scripts/html2pptx.js— convert HTML + metadata to PPTX deck.resources/scripts/rearrange.py— reorder slides programmatically.resources/scripts/thumbnail.py— generate PNG previews for review packages.
9) Memory & Knowledge Integration
- Record each automation run in Local Memory with workflow, success metrics, and artefact IDs.
- Link to related brand guideline memories or docx/pdf workflows as appropriate.
- Reference memory IDs in PRs and review manifests.
10) Lifecycle & Versioning Notes
- Update templates when brand guidelines change; version control html2pptx assets.
- Review scripts quarterly for Node/Python dependency updates.
- Introduce MCP wrappers for remote deck generation in future iterations.
11) References & Evidence
resources/html2pptx.md— HTML-to-PPT conversion guide.resources/ooxml.md— PPTX OOXML reference.- Bundled scripts for conversion, rearrangement, inventory, replacements, thumbnails.
- Evidence: logs, thumbnails, inventory JSON, final PPTX deck.
12) Schema Gap Checklist
- Automate brand validation (colors/fonts) in inventory script output.
- Add export to PDF for quick previews in CI artefacts.
- Extend html2pptx to support slide masters and theme overrides.