powerpoint.md / Guides / Installation
How to install a Claude PPTX skill
Complete guide for installing any of the 37 Claude PowerPoint skills listed in the directory
Installation
Claude Code
Open Source
Definition
A Claude PPTX skill is a software module that extends Claude Code with the ability to generate, modify, or convert Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. These skills reside in the ~/.claude/skills/ directory and typically combine Python presentation libraries (python-pptx, Pillow) with JavaScript generation tools (pptxgenjs) to produce .pptx output from natural language prompts or structured data.
How it works
Claude skills function as specialized toolkits that Claude Code can invoke during conversations. When you request a presentation, the skill provides structured instructions, templates, and executable code that Claude uses to build the file. The skill itself does not run independently; it operates within Claude Code's execution environment, which has access to your local filesystem and installed dependencies.
Installation involves three general steps: obtaining the skill files (usually via git clone), placing them in the correct directory structure, and installing any required dependencies. Dependencies fall into two categories: Python packages (installed via pip or uv) and Node.js packages (installed via npm). Some skills require both; others need only one. The skill's configuration file tells Claude which tools are available and how to invoke them.
After installation, you activate a skill by referencing it in conversation with Claude Code, or by ensuring it appears in your active skills list. Claude then uses the skill's definitions to understand what presentation operations it can perform and what parameters it can accept.
Installation methods by skill type
The powerpoint.md directory categorizes installations by complexity. Here are representative examples from each category:
Heavy installation (multiple dependency systems)
git clone https://github.com/anthropics/skills
cp -r skills/skills/pptx ~/.claude/skills/anthropic-pptx
pip install "markitdown[pptx]" Pillow
npm install -g pptxgenjs
git clone https://github.com/MiniMax-AI/skills
cp -r skills/pptx-generator ~/.claude/skills/minimax-pptx
npm install -g pptxgenjs
pip install "markitdown[pptx]"
Pip installation (Python only)
git clone https://github.com/hugohe3/ppt-master
cp -r ppt-master/skills/ppt-master ~/.claude/skills/
pip install python-pptx svglib reportlab PyMuPDF Pillow requests beautifulsoup4 numpy google-genai openai
Modern installer (uv-based)
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
uvx pptagent onboard
Examples on powerpoint.md
The directory lists 37 skills with varying outputs, complexities, and requirements. These entries represent the range of available options:
📊
Official skill from Anthropic. Low token usage, heavy install, no API key required. Generates 5-20 slides.
📊
Community skill from MiniMax AI. Similar architecture to Anthropic's official skill with comparable output range.
📊
Higher token usage, requires OpenAI API key. Generates 10-30 slides. Uses uv for modern Python package management.
📊
Lightweight pip install with extensive Python dependencies. No API key, 5-20 slide output.
🌐
Outputs HTML rather than PPTX. Simpler pip install, 5-15 slides, useful for web-based presentations.
Installation verification
After installing any skill, verify it is recognized by Claude Code:
ls ~/.claude/skills/
claude skills list
If a skill does not appear, confirm the directory name matches the skill's expected identifier and that all dependencies are available in your PATH. Some skills require restarting Claude Code after installation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Claude PPTX skill?
A Claude PPTX skill is a software extension that enables Anthropic's Claude AI to generate, edit, or manipulate Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) files. Skills are installed into Claude's skill directory and typically combine Python libraries like python-pptx with JavaScript tools such as pptxgenjs to produce presentation output.
Where do I install Claude skills on my system?
Claude skills are installed to the ~/.claude/skills/ directory on macOS and Linux, or the equivalent user configuration directory on Windows. Each skill occupies its own subdirectory. The exact path may vary based on your operating system and Claude Code installation method.
Do I need an API key to use PPTX skills?
Most PPTX skills in the powerpoint.md directory do not require an API key, including Anthropic's official PPTX skill and MiniMax's generator. However, some skills like PPTAgent v2 require an OpenAI API key for certain features. Each skill's entry specifies its API key requirements.
What is the difference between 'heavy' and 'pip' install types?
'Heavy' installations require multiple dependency managers (typically both npm and pip) and may involve cloning repositories, copying files to the skills directory, and installing global packages. 'Pip' installations are lighter, usually requiring only a git clone and Python package installation. The install type indicates approximate complexity, not functionality.
Can I use PPTX skills on any operating system?
Yes, all skills listed on powerpoint.md are marked as compatible with any operating system. The tools they depend on—Python, Node.js, and git—are cross-platform. Some skills may have specific requirements for certain OS features, but the core functionality works on macOS, Windows, and Linux.