| name | python-pptx |
| description | Create and manipulate PowerPoint presentations programmatically. Build slide decks with layouts, shapes, charts, tables, and images. Generate data-driven presentations from templates. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| category | office-docs |
| type | skill |
| capabilities | ["presentation_creation","slide_layouts","shape_manipulation","chart_generation","table_creation","image_insertion","template_based_generation","master_slide_customization"] |
| tools | ["python","python-pptx","Pillow"] |
| tags | ["powerpoint","pptx","presentation","slides","charts","office-automation"] |
| platforms | ["windows","macos","linux"] |
| related_skills | ["python-docx","openpyxl","plotly"] |
Python-pptx PowerPoint Automation Skill
Overview
Python-pptx is a Python library for creating and updating PowerPoint (.pptx) presentations. This skill covers comprehensive patterns for presentation automation including:
- Presentation creation with multiple slide layouts
- Shape manipulation including text boxes, images, and geometric shapes
- Chart generation for data visualization within slides
- Table creation for structured data display
- Master slide customization for branding consistency
- Template-based generation for consistent presentations
- Placeholder management for dynamic content insertion
When to Use This Skill
USE when:
- Generating presentations from data automatically
- Creating standardized report presentations
- Building slide decks with consistent branding
- Automating dashboard presentations
- Creating training materials from templates
- Generating client presentations from databases
- Building presentation pipelines for regular reports
- Creating slides with charts and tables from data
- Mass-producing presentations with variable content
DON'T USE when:
- Need real-time presentation editing (use PowerPoint)
- Creating presentations with complex animations
- Need advanced transitions (limited support)
- Require embedded videos with playback controls
- Need to preserve complex PowerPoint features
- Creating presentations from scratch without Python (use PowerPoint)
Prerequisites
Installation
pip install python-pptx
uv pip install python-pptx
pip install python-pptx Pillow
pip install python-pptx Pillow lxml
Verify Installation
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.shapes import MSO_SHAPE
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN
print("python-pptx installed successfully!")
Core Capabilities
1. Basic Presentation Creation
"""
Create a basic PowerPoint presentation with common slide types.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN, MSO_ANCHOR
from pptx.dml.color import RgbColor
from pptx.enum.shapes import MSO_SHAPE
def create_basic_presentation(output_path: str) -> None:
"""Create a basic presentation with various slide types."""
prs = Presentation()
prs.slide_width = Inches(13.333)
prs.slide_height = Inches(7.5)
title_layout = prs.slide_layouts[0]
slide1 = prs.slides.add_slide(title_layout)
title = slide1.shapes.title
subtitle = slide1.placeholders[1]
title.text = "Q1 2026 Business Review"
subtitle.text = "Strategic Planning and Performance Analysis"
for paragraph in title.text_frame.paragraphs:
paragraph.font.size = Pt(44)
paragraph.font.bold = True
bullet_layout = prs.slide_layouts[1]
slide2 = prs.slides.add_slide(bullet_layout)
title2 = slide2.shapes.title
body2 = slide2.placeholders[1]
title2.text = "Key Highlights"
tf = body2.text_frame
tf.text = "Revenue grew 15% year-over-year"
p1 = tf.add_paragraph()
p1.text = "Customer satisfaction reached 92%"
p1.level = 0
p2 = tf.add_paragraph()
p2.text = "Expanded to 3 new markets"
p2.level = 0
p3 = tf.add_paragraph()
p3.text = "North America"
p3.level = 1
p4 = tf.add_paragraph()
p4.text = "Europe"
p4.level = 1
p5 = tf.add_paragraph()
p5.text = "Asia Pacific"
p5.level = 1
two_content_layout = prs.slide_layouts[3]
slide3 = prs.slides.add_slide(two_content_layout)
title3 = slide3.shapes.title
title3.text = "Comparison Overview"
left_placeholder = slide3.placeholders[1]
tf_left = left_placeholder.text_frame
tf_left.text = "Before"
p = tf_left.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Manual processes"
p = tf_left.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Limited scalability"
p = tf_left.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Higher costs"
right_placeholder = slide3.placeholders[2]
tf_right = right_placeholder.text_frame
tf_right.text = "After"
p = tf_right.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Automated workflows"
p = tf_right.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Unlimited scale"
p = tf_right.add_paragraph()
p.text = "Cost reduction"
section_layout = prs.slide_layouts[2]
slide4 = prs.slides.add_slide(section_layout)
title4 = slide4.shapes.title
title4.text = "Financial Overview"
blank_layout = prs.slide_layouts[6]
slide5 = prs.slides.add_slide(blank_layout)
left = Inches(0.5)
top = Inches(0.5)
width = Inches(12)
height = Inches(1)
textbox = slide5.shapes.add_textbox(left, top, width, height)
tf = textbox.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = "Custom Content Slide"
p.font.size = Pt(32)
p.font.bold = True
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
shapes = slide5.shapes
rect = shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.RECTANGLE,
Inches(1), Inches(2),
Inches(3), Inches(2)
)
rect.fill.solid()
rect.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0x44, 0x72, 0xC4)
rect.text = "Feature A"
rounded = shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE,
Inches(5), Inches(2),
Inches(3), Inches(2)
)
rounded.fill.solid()
rounded.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0x70, 0xAD, 0x47)
rounded.text = "Feature B"
oval = shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.OVAL,
Inches(9), Inches(2),
Inches(3), Inches(2)
)
oval.fill.solid()
oval.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0xED, 0x7D, 0x31)
oval.text = "Feature C"
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Presentation saved to {output_path}")
create_basic_presentation("basic_presentation.pptx")
2. Advanced Text Formatting
"""
Advanced text formatting with runs, fonts, and paragraph styles.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt, Emu
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN, MSO_ANCHOR
from pptx.dml.color import RgbColor
from pptx.oxml.ns import nsmap
def create_formatted_presentation(output_path: str) -> None:
"""Create presentation with advanced text formatting."""
prs = Presentation()
slide_layout = prs.slide_layouts[6]
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(slide_layout)
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.5), Inches(0.3),
Inches(12), Inches(1)
)
tf = title_box.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
run1 = p.add_run()
run1.text = "Quarterly "
run1.font.size = Pt(40)
run1.font.bold = True
run1.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(0x2F, 0x54, 0x96)
run2 = p.add_run()
run2.text = "Performance"
run2.font.size = Pt(40)
run2.font.bold = True
run2.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(0x70, 0xAD, 0x47)
run3 = p.add_run()
run3.text = " Report"
run3.font.size = Pt(40)
run3.font.bold = True
run3.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(0x2F, 0x54, 0x96)
content_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.75), Inches(1.5),
Inches(11.5), Inches(5)
)
tf = content_box.text_frame
tf.word_wrap = True
p1 = tf.paragraphs[0]
p1.text = "Executive Summary"
p1.font.size = Pt(24)
p1.font.bold = True
p1.space_after = Pt(12)
p2 = tf.add_paragraph()
p2.text = (
"This quarter demonstrated strong performance across all metrics. "
"Revenue increased by 15% year-over-year, driven by expansion in "
"key markets and improved customer retention."
)
p2.font.size = Pt(16)
p2.space_after = Pt(18)
p2.line_spacing = 1.5
p3 = tf.add_paragraph()
p3.text = "Key Achievement: "
p3.font.size = Pt(18)
p3.font.bold = True
p3.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(0xC0, 0x00, 0x00)
run = p3.add_run()
run.text = "Achieved 120% of quarterly target"
run.font.size = Pt(18)
run.font.italic = True
p4 = tf.add_paragraph()
p4.space_before = Pt(18)
run = p4.add_run()
run.text = "Formula example: H"
run.font.size = Pt(16)
sub = p4.add_run()
sub.text = "2"
sub.font.size = Pt(12)
sub.font._element.set(
'{http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/drawingml/2006/main}baseline', '-25000'
)
run = p4.add_run()
run.text = "O and E=mc"
run.font.size = Pt(16)
sup = p4.add_run()
sup.text = "2"
sup.font.size = Pt(12)
sup.font._element.set(
'{http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/drawingml/2006/main}baseline', '30000'
)
bullet_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.75), Inches(5),
Inches(11.5), Inches(2)
)
tf = bullet_box.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = "Key Metrics:"
p.font.size = Pt(18)
p.font.bold = True
bullets = [
("Revenue", "$12.5M", "up 15%"),
("Customers", "45,000", "up 8%"),
("NPS Score", "72", "up 5 points"),
]
for metric, value, change in bullets:
p = tf.add_paragraph()
p.level = 0
run = p.add_run()
run.text = f"{metric}: "
run.font.size = Pt(14)
run.font.bold = True
run = p.add_run()
run.text = f"{value} "
run.font.size = Pt(14)
run = p.add_run()
run.text = f"({change})"
run.font.size = Pt(14)
run.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(0x00, 0x80, 0x00)
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Formatted presentation saved to {output_path}")
create_formatted_presentation("formatted_presentation.pptx")
3. Chart Generation
"""
Create various chart types in PowerPoint presentations.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.chart.data import CategoryChartData, ChartData
from pptx.enum.chart import XL_CHART_TYPE, XL_LEGEND_POSITION
from pptx.dml.color import RgbColor
def create_chart_presentation(output_path: str) -> None:
"""Create presentation with various chart types."""
prs = Presentation()
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Quarterly Revenue"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['Q1', 'Q2', 'Q3', 'Q4']
chart_data.add_series('2025', (1200, 1400, 1600, 1800))
chart_data.add_series('2026', (1500, 1750, 2000, 2200))
x, y, cx, cy = Inches(1), Inches(1.5), Inches(11), Inches(5.5)
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.COLUMN_CLUSTERED,
x, y, cx, cy,
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = True
chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.BOTTOM
chart.legend.include_in_layout = False
plot = chart.plots[0]
plot.has_data_labels = True
data_labels = plot.data_labels
data_labels.font.size = Pt(10)
data_labels.number_format = '$#,##0'
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Monthly Trend Analysis"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr', 'May', 'Jun']
chart_data.add_series('Sales', (100, 120, 140, 135, 160, 180))
chart_data.add_series('Target', (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160))
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.LINE_MARKERS,
Inches(1), Inches(1.5), Inches(11), Inches(5.5),
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = True
chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.BOTTOM
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Market Share Distribution"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['Product A', 'Product B', 'Product C', 'Other']
chart_data.add_series('Share', (35, 30, 25, 10))
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.PIE,
Inches(3), Inches(1.5), Inches(7), Inches(5.5),
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = True
chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.RIGHT
plot = chart.plots[0]
plot.has_data_labels = True
data_labels = plot.data_labels
data_labels.show_percentage = True
data_labels.show_value = False
data_labels.font.size = Pt(12)
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Regional Performance"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['North', 'South', 'East', 'West', 'Central']
chart_data.add_series('Revenue', (450, 380, 520, 420, 310))
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.BAR_CLUSTERED,
Inches(1), Inches(1.5), Inches(11), Inches(5.5),
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = False
plot = chart.plots[0]
plot.has_data_labels = True
plot.data_labels.font.size = Pt(11)
plot.data_labels.number_format = '$#,##0K'
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Product Mix by Quarter"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['Q1', 'Q2', 'Q3', 'Q4']
chart_data.add_series('Hardware', (400, 450, 500, 550))
chart_data.add_series('Software', (300, 350, 400, 450))
chart_data.add_series('Services', (200, 250, 300, 350))
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.COLUMN_STACKED,
Inches(1), Inches(1.5), Inches(11), Inches(5.5),
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = True
chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.BOTTOM
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Budget Allocation"
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['R&D', 'Marketing', 'Operations', 'Admin']
chart_data.add_series('Budget', (40, 25, 25, 10))
chart = slide.shapes.add_chart(
XL_CHART_TYPE.DOUGHNUT,
Inches(3), Inches(1.5), Inches(7), Inches(5.5),
chart_data
).chart
chart.has_legend = True
chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.RIGHT
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Chart presentation saved to {output_path}")
create_chart_presentation("chart_presentation.pptx")
4. Table Creation
"""
Create and format tables in PowerPoint presentations.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.dml.color import RgbColor
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN, MSO_ANCHOR
from pptx.oxml.ns import qn
from pptx.oxml import parse_xml
from typing import List, Any
def set_cell_color(cell, color_hex: str) -> None:
"""Set cell background color."""
cell.fill.solid()
cell.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(
int(color_hex[0:2], 16),
int(color_hex[2:4], 16),
int(color_hex[4:6], 16)
)
def create_table_slide(
prs: Presentation,
title: str,
headers: List[str],
data: List[List[Any]],
col_widths: List[float] = None
) -> None:
"""Create a slide with a formatted table."""
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = title
rows = len(data) + 1
cols = len(headers)
if col_widths is None:
total_width = 11
col_widths = [total_width / cols] * cols
table_width = sum(col_widths)
left = Inches((13.333 - table_width) / 2)
top = Inches(1.8)
width = Inches(table_width)
height = Inches(0.5 * rows)
table = slide.shapes.add_table(rows, cols, left, top, width, height).table
for i, w in enumerate(col_widths):
table.columns[i].width = Inches(w)
for i, header in enumerate(headers):
cell = table.cell(0, i)
cell.text = header
set_cell_color(cell, '2F5496')
para = cell.text_frame.paragraphs[0]
para.font.bold = True
para.font.size = Pt(12)
para.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(255, 255, 255)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
cell.vertical_anchor = MSO_ANCHOR.MIDDLE
for row_idx, row_data in enumerate(data, start=1):
for col_idx, value in enumerate(row_data):
cell = table.cell(row_idx, col_idx)
cell.text = str(value)
if row_idx % 2 == 0:
set_cell_color(cell, 'D6DCE5')
para = cell.text_frame.paragraphs[0]
para.font.size = Pt(11)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
cell.vertical_anchor = MSO_ANCHOR.MIDDLE
def create_table_presentation(output_path: str) -> None:
"""Create presentation with various table examples."""
prs = Presentation()
headers = ['Product', 'Q1', 'Q2', 'Q3', 'Q4', 'Total']
data = [
['Widget A', '$150K', '$180K', '$220K', '$250K', '$800K'],
['Widget B', '$80K', '$95K', '$110K', '$130K', '$415K'],
['Widget C', '$200K', '$220K', '$260K', '$290K', '$970K'],
['Total', '$430K', '$495K', '$590K', '$670K', '$2.19M'],
]
create_table_slide(
prs,
"Quarterly Sales Summary",
headers,
data,
col_widths=[2, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5]
)
headers = ['Feature', 'Basic Plan', 'Pro Plan', 'Enterprise']
data = [
['Users', '5', '25', 'Unlimited'],
['Storage', '10 GB', '100 GB', '1 TB'],
['Support', 'Email', '24/7 Chat', 'Dedicated'],
['Price/mo', '$9', '$29', '$99'],
]
create_table_slide(
prs,
"Pricing Comparison",
headers,
data,
col_widths=[3, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5]
)
headers = ['Phase', 'Start', 'End', 'Status', 'Owner']
data = [
['Planning', 'Jan 1', 'Jan 15', 'Complete', 'Team A'],
['Development', 'Jan 16', 'Mar 31', 'In Progress', 'Team B'],
['Testing', 'Apr 1', 'Apr 30', 'Pending', 'Team C'],
['Launch', 'May 1', 'May 15', 'Pending', 'Team D'],
]
create_table_slide(
prs,
"Project Timeline",
headers,
data,
col_widths=[2.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2, 2]
)
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Table presentation saved to {output_path}")
create_table_presentation("table_presentation.pptx")
5. Image and Shape Manipulation
"""
Add and manipulate images and shapes in presentations.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt, Emu
from pptx.enum.shapes import MSO_SHAPE, MSO_CONNECTOR
from pptx.enum.text import PP_ALIGN, MSO_ANCHOR
from pptx.dml.color import RgbColor
from pathlib import Path
from io import BytesIO
from typing import Tuple
def add_image_with_border(
slide,
image_path: str,
left: float,
top: float,
width: float = None,
height: float = None
) -> None:
"""Add image with optional border effect."""
if Path(image_path).exists():
pic = slide.shapes.add_picture(
image_path,
Inches(left), Inches(top),
Inches(width) if width else None,
Inches(height) if height else None
)
pic.line.color.rgb = RgbColor(0, 0, 0)
pic.line.width = Pt(1)
def create_arrow_connector(
slide,
start: Tuple[float, float],
end: Tuple[float, float],
color: str = "4472C4"
) -> None:
"""Create an arrow connector between two points."""
connector = slide.shapes.add_connector(
MSO_CONNECTOR.STRAIGHT,
Inches(start[0]), Inches(start[1]),
Inches(end[0]), Inches(end[1])
)
connector.line.color.rgb = RgbColor(
int(color[0:2], 16),
int(color[2:4], 16),
int(color[4:6], 16)
)
connector.line.width = Pt(2)
def create_shape_presentation(output_path: str) -> None:
"""Create presentation with shapes and connectors."""
prs = Presentation()
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[6])
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.5), Inches(0.3),
Inches(12), Inches(0.8)
)
tf = title_box.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = "Development Process Flow"
p.font.size = Pt(32)
p.font.bold = True
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
steps = [
("Requirements", "4472C4"),
("Design", "70AD47"),
("Development", "ED7D31"),
("Testing", "5B9BD5"),
("Deployment", "7030A0"),
]
y_pos = 2.5
x_positions = [1, 3.5, 6, 8.5, 11]
for i, (step, color) in enumerate(steps):
shape = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.ROUNDED_RECTANGLE,
Inches(x_positions[i]), Inches(y_pos),
Inches(2), Inches(1)
)
shape.fill.solid()
shape.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(
int(color[0:2], 16),
int(color[2:4], 16),
int(color[4:6], 16)
)
tf = shape.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = step
p.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(255, 255, 255)
p.font.bold = True
p.font.size = Pt(14)
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
shape.text_frame.paragraphs[0].alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
if i < len(steps) - 1:
arrow = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.RIGHT_ARROW,
Inches(x_positions[i] + 2.1), Inches(y_pos + 0.35),
Inches(0.3), Inches(0.3)
)
arrow.fill.solid()
arrow.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(128, 128, 128)
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[6])
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.5), Inches(0.3),
Inches(12), Inches(0.8)
)
tf = title_box.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = "Team Structure"
p.font.size = Pt(32)
p.font.bold = True
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
ceo = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.RECTANGLE,
Inches(5.5), Inches(1.5),
Inches(2.5), Inches(1)
)
ceo.fill.solid()
ceo.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0x2F, 0x54, 0x96)
ceo.text = "CEO\nJohn Smith"
for para in ceo.text_frame.paragraphs:
para.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(255, 255, 255)
para.font.size = Pt(12)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
departments = [
("Engineering\nAlice Chen", 1.5),
("Marketing\nBob Wilson", 4.5),
("Sales\nCarol Davis", 7.5),
("Operations\nDave Brown", 10.5),
]
for name, x_pos in departments:
box = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.RECTANGLE,
Inches(x_pos), Inches(3.5),
Inches(2.5), Inches(1)
)
box.fill.solid()
box.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0x5B, 0x9B, 0xD5)
box.text = name
for para in box.text_frame.paragraphs:
para.font.color.rgb = RgbColor(255, 255, 255)
para.font.size = Pt(11)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[6])
title_box = slide.shapes.add_textbox(
Inches(0.5), Inches(0.3),
Inches(12), Inches(0.8)
)
tf = title_box.text_frame
p = tf.paragraphs[0]
p.text = "Key Callouts"
p.font.size = Pt(32)
p.font.bold = True
p.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
callout1 = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.OVAL_CALLOUT,
Inches(1), Inches(2),
Inches(3.5), Inches(2)
)
callout1.fill.solid()
callout1.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0xFF, 0xEB, 0x84)
callout1.text = "Important!\nReview by Friday"
for para in callout1.text_frame.paragraphs:
para.font.size = Pt(14)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
callout2 = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.CLOUD_CALLOUT,
Inches(5), Inches(2),
Inches(3.5), Inches(2)
)
callout2.fill.solid()
callout2.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0xC6, 0xEF, 0xCE)
callout2.text = "Great idea!\nLet's discuss"
for para in callout2.text_frame.paragraphs:
para.font.size = Pt(14)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
callout3 = slide.shapes.add_shape(
MSO_SHAPE.RECTANGULAR_CALLOUT,
Inches(9), Inches(2),
Inches(3.5), Inches(2)
)
callout3.fill.solid()
callout3.fill.fore_color.rgb = RgbColor(0xFF, 0xC7, 0xCE)
callout3.text = "Warning!\nDeadline approaching"
for para in callout3.text_frame.paragraphs:
para.font.size = Pt(14)
para.alignment = PP_ALIGN.CENTER
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Shape presentation saved to {output_path}")
create_shape_presentation("shape_presentation.pptx")
6. Template-Based Generation
"""
Generate presentations from templates with placeholder replacement.
"""
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.shapes import MSO_SHAPE_TYPE
from typing import Dict, Any, List
from pathlib import Path
from copy import deepcopy
def replace_text_in_shapes(slide, replacements: Dict[str, str]) -> None:
"""Replace placeholder text in all shapes on a slide."""
for shape in slide.shapes:
if shape.has_text_frame:
for paragraph in shape.text_frame.paragraphs:
for run in paragraph.runs:
for key, value in replacements.items():
if f'{{{{{key}}}}}' in run.text:
run.text = run.text.replace(f'{{{{{key}}}}}', str(value))
if shape.has_table:
for row in shape.table.rows:
for cell in row.cells:
for paragraph in cell.text_frame.paragraphs:
for run in paragraph.runs:
for key, value in replacements.items():
if f'{{{{{key}}}}}' in run.text:
run.text = run.text.replace(
f'{{{{{key}}}}}',
str(value)
)
def generate_from_template(
template_path: str,
output_path: str,
data: Dict[str, Any]
) -> None:
"""Generate presentation from template with data substitution."""
prs = Presentation(template_path)
for slide in prs.slides:
replace_text_in_shapes(slide, data)
prs.save(output_path)
print(f"Generated presentation: {output_path}")
def batch_generate_presentations(
template_path: str,
data_list: List[Dict[str, Any]],
output_dir: str
) -> List[str]:
"""Generate multiple presentations from template."""
output_path = Path(output_dir)
output_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
generated = []
for data in data_list:
filename = f"{data.get('filename', 'presentation')}.pptx"
file_path = output_path / filename
generate_from_template(template_path, str(file_path), data)
generated.append(str(file_path))
return generated
Best Practices
1. Template Design
"""Best practices for template-based generation."""
PLACEHOLDERS = {
'title': '{{title}}',
'subtitle': '{{subtitle}}',
'date': '{{date}}',
'author': '{{author}}'
}
class SlideBuilder:
def __init__(self, prs):
self.prs = prs
def add_title_slide(self, title, subtitle):
slide = self.prs.slides.add_slide(self.prs.slide_layouts[0])
slide.shapes.title.text = title
if subtitle:
slide.placeholders[1].text = subtitle
return slide
def add_content_slide(self, title, bullets):
slide = self.prs.slides.add_slide(self.prs.slide_layouts[1])
slide.shapes.title.text = title
tf = slide.placeholders[1].text_frame
tf.text = bullets[0]
for bullet in bullets[1:]:
p = tf.add_paragraph()
p.text = bullet
return slide
2. Performance Optimization
"""Performance tips for large presentations."""
COLORS = {
'primary': RgbColor(0x2F, 0x54, 0x96),
'secondary': RgbColor(0x70, 0xAD, 0x47),
'accent': RgbColor(0xED, 0x7D, 0x31)
}
def add_multiple_charts(prs, chart_data_list):
for title, data, chart_type in chart_data_list:
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[5])
slide.shapes.title.text = title
3. Error Handling
"""Robust error handling for presentations."""
from pathlib import Path
import logging
logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
def safe_generate_presentation(template_path, output_path, data):
"""Generate presentation with error handling."""
try:
if not Path(template_path).exists():
raise FileNotFoundError(f"Template not found: {template_path}")
Path(output_path).parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
prs = Presentation(template_path)
prs.save(output_path)
return {"success": True, "path": output_path}
except Exception as e:
logger.exception(f"Presentation generation failed: {e}")
return {"success": False, "error": str(e)}
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
1. Layout Not Found
prs = Presentation()
for i, layout in enumerate(prs.slide_layouts):
print(f"{i}: {layout.name}")
2. Text Overflow
tf = shape.text_frame
tf.auto_size = True
tf.paragraphs[0].font.size = Pt(10)
3. Chart Not Displaying
chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['A', 'B', 'C']
chart_data.add_series('Series 1', (1, 2, 3))
Version History
1.0.0 (2026-01-17)
- Initial skill creation
- Core capabilities documentation
- 6 complete code examples
- Template-based generation patterns
- Chart and table creation
Resources
Related Skills
- python-docx - Word document generation
- openpyxl - Excel workbook automation
- plotly - Interactive chart generation
- pypdf - PDF manipulation
This skill provides comprehensive patterns for PowerPoint automation refined from production presentation generation systems.
