Frontend Slides Skill

Create zero-dependency, animation-rich HTML presentations that run entirely in the browser. This skill helps non-designers discover their preferred aesthetic through visual exploration ("show, don't tell"), then generates production-quality slide decks.

Core Philosophy

1. Zero Dependencies — Single HTML files with inline CSS/JS. No npm, no build tools.
2. Show, Don't Tell — People don't know what they want until they see it. Generate visual previews, not abstract choices.
3. Distinctive Design — Avoid generic "AI slop" aesthetics. Every presentation should feel custom-crafted.
4. Production Quality — Code should be well-commented, accessible, and performant.

Phase 0: Detect Mode

First, determine what the user wants:

Mode A: New Presentation

• User wants to create slides from scratch
• Proceed to Phase 1 (Content Discovery)

Mode B: PPT Conversion

• User has a PowerPoint file (.ppt, .pptx) to convert
• Proceed to Phase 4 (PPT Extraction)

Mode C: Existing Presentation Enhancement

• User has an HTML presentation and wants to improve it
• Read the existing file, understand the structure, then enhance

Phase 1: Content Discovery (New Presentations)

Before designing, understand the content. Ask via AskUserQuestion:

Step 1.1: Presentation Context

Question 1: Purpose

• Header: "Purpose"
• Question: "What is this presentation for?"
• Options:
  • "Pitch deck" — Selling an idea, product, or company to investors/clients
  • "Teaching/Tutorial" — Explaining concepts, how-to guides, educational content
  • "Conference talk" — Speaking at an event, tech talk, keynote
  • "Internal presentation" — Team updates, strategy meetings, company updates

Question 2: Slide Count

• Header: "Length"
• Question: "Approximately how many slides?"
• Options:
  • "Short (5-10)" — Quick pitch, lightning talk
  • "Medium (10-20)" — Standard presentation
  • "Long (20+)" — Deep dive, comprehensive talk

Question 3: Content

• Header: "Content"
• Question: "Do you have the content ready, or do you need help structuring it?"
• Options:
  • "I have all content ready" — Just need to design the presentation
  • "I have rough notes" — Need help organizing into slides
  • "I have a topic only" — Need help creating the full outline

If user has content, ask them to share it (text, bullet points, images, etc.).

Phase 2: Style Discovery (Visual Exploration)

CRITICAL: This is the "show, don't tell" phase.

Most people can't articulate design preferences in words. Instead of asking "do you want minimalist or bold?", we generate mini-previews and let them react.

Step 2.1: Mood Selection

Question 1: Feeling

• Header: "Vibe"
• Question: "What feeling should the audience have when viewing your slides?"
• Options:
  • "Impressed/Confident" — Professional, trustworthy, this team knows what they're doing
  • "Excited/Energized" — Innovative, bold, this is the future
  • "Calm/Focused" — Clear, thoughtful, easy to follow
  • "Inspired/Moved" — Emotional, storytelling, memorable
• multiSelect: true (can choose up to 2)

Step 2.2: Generate Style Previews

Based on their mood selection, generate 3 distinct style previews as mini HTML files in a temporary directory. Each preview should be a single title slide showing:

• Typography (font choices, heading/body hierarchy)
• Color palette (background, accent, text colors)
• Animation style (how elements enter)
• Overall aesthetic feel

Preview Styles to Consider (pick 3 based on mood):

IMPORTANT: Never use these generic patterns:

• Purple gradients on white backgrounds
• Inter, Roboto, or system fonts
• Standard blue primary colors
• Predictable hero layouts

Instead, use distinctive choices:

• Unique font pairings (Clash Display, Satoshi, Cormorant Garamond, DM Sans, etc.)
• Cohesive color themes with personality
• Atmospheric backgrounds (gradients, subtle patterns, depth)
• Signature animation moments

Step 2.3: Present Previews

Create the previews in: .claude-design/slide-previews/

.claude-design/slide-previews/
├── style-a.html   # First style option
├── style-b.html   # Second style option
├── style-c.html   # Third style option
└── assets/        # Any shared assets

Each preview file should be:

• Self-contained (inline CSS/JS)
• A single "title slide" showing the aesthetic
• Animated to demonstrate motion style
• ~50-100 lines, not a full presentation

Present to user:

I've created 3 style previews for you to compare:

**Style A: [Name]** — [1 sentence description]
**Style B: [Name]** — [1 sentence description]
**Style C: [Name]** — [1 sentence description]

Open each file to see them in action:
- .claude-design/slide-previews/style-a.html
- .claude-design/slide-previews/style-b.html
- .claude-design/slide-previews/style-c.html

Take a look and tell me:
1. Which style resonates most?
2. What do you like about it?
3. Anything you'd change?

Then use AskUserQuestion:

Question: Pick Your Style

• Header: "Style"
• Question: "Which style preview do you prefer?"
• Options:
  • "Style A: [Name]" — [Brief description]
  • "Style B: [Name]" — [Brief description]
  • "Style C: [Name]" — [Brief description]
  • "Mix elements" — Combine aspects from different styles

If "Mix elements", ask for specifics.

Phase 3: Generate Presentation

Now generate the full presentation based on:

• Content from Phase 1
• Style from Phase 2

File Structure

For single presentations:

presentation.html    # Self-contained presentation
assets/              # Images, if any

For projects with multiple presentations:

[presentation-name].html
[presentation-name]-assets/

HTML Architecture

Follow this structure for all presentations:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Presentation Title</title>

    <!-- Fonts (use Fontshare or Google Fonts) -->
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.fontshare.com/v2/css?f[]=...">

    <style>
        /* ===========================================
           CSS CUSTOM PROPERTIES (THEME)
           Easy to modify: change these to change the whole look
           =========================================== */
        :root {
            /* Colors */
            --bg-primary: #0a0f1c;
            --bg-secondary: #111827;
            --text-primary: #ffffff;
            --text-secondary: #9ca3af;
            --accent: #00ffcc;
            --accent-glow: rgba(0, 255, 204, 0.3);

            /* Typography */
            --font-display: 'Clash Display', sans-serif;
            --font-body: 'Satoshi', sans-serif;

            /* Spacing */
            --slide-padding: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem);

            /* Animation */
            --ease-out-expo: cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
            --duration-normal: 0.6s;
        }

        /* ===========================================
           BASE STYLES
           =========================================== */
        * {
            margin: 0;
            padding: 0;
            box-sizing: border-box;
        }

        html {
            scroll-behavior: smooth;
            scroll-snap-type: y mandatory;
        }

        body {
            font-family: var(--font-body);
            background: var(--bg-primary);
            color: var(--text-primary);
            overflow-x: hidden;
        }

        /* ===========================================
           SLIDE CONTAINER
           Each section is one slide
           =========================================== */
        .slide {
            min-height: 100vh;
            padding: var(--slide-padding);
            scroll-snap-align: start;
            display: flex;
            flex-direction: column;
            justify-content: center;
            position: relative;
            overflow: hidden;
        }

        /* ===========================================
           ANIMATIONS
           Trigger via .visible class (added by JS on scroll)
           =========================================== */
        .reveal {
            opacity: 0;
            transform: translateY(30px);
            transition: opacity var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-out-expo),
                        transform var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-out-expo);
        }

        .slide.visible .reveal {
            opacity: 1;
            transform: translateY(0);
        }

        /* Stagger children */
        .reveal:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0.1s; }
        .reveal:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.2s; }
        .reveal:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.3s; }
        .reveal:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.4s; }

        /* ... more styles ... */
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <!-- Progress bar (optional) -->
    <div class="progress-bar"></div>

    <!-- Navigation dots (optional) -->
    <nav class="nav-dots">
        <!-- Generated by JS -->
    </nav>

    <!-- Slides -->
    <section class="slide title-slide">
        <h1 class="reveal">Presentation Title</h1>
        <p class="reveal">Subtitle or author</p>
    </section>

    <section class="slide">
        <h2 class="reveal">Slide Title</h2>
        <p class="reveal">Content...</p>
    </section>

    <!-- More slides... -->

    <script>
        /* ===========================================
           SLIDE PRESENTATION CONTROLLER
           Handles navigation, animations, and interactions
           =========================================== */

        class SlidePresentation {
            constructor() {
                // ... initialization
            }

            // ... methods
        }

        // Initialize
        new SlidePresentation();
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Required JavaScript Features

Every presentation should include:

1. SlidePresentation Class — Main controller

   • Keyboard navigation (arrows, space)
   • Touch/swipe support
   • Mouse wheel navigation
   • Progress bar updates
   • Navigation dots

2. Intersection Observer — For scroll-triggered animations

   • Add .visible class when slides enter viewport
   • Trigger CSS animations efficiently

3. Optional Enhancements (based on style):

   • Custom cursor with trail
   • Particle system background (canvas)
   • Parallax effects
   • 3D tilt on hover
   • Magnetic buttons
   • Counter animations

Code Quality Requirements

Comments: Every section should have clear comments explaining:

• What it does
• Why it exists
• How to modify it

/* ===========================================
   CUSTOM CURSOR
   Creates a stylized cursor that follows mouse with a trail effect.
   - Uses lerp (linear interpolation) for smooth movement
   - Grows larger when hovering over interactive elements
   =========================================== */
class CustomCursor {
    constructor() {
        // ...
    }
}

Accessibility:

• Semantic HTML (<section>, <nav>, <main>)
• Keyboard navigation works
• ARIA labels where needed
• Reduced motion support

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    .reveal {
        transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
        transform: none;
    }
}

Responsive:

• Mobile-friendly (single column, adjusted spacing)
• Disable heavy effects on mobile
• Touch-friendly interactions

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .nav-dots,
    .keyboard-hint {
        display: none;
    }
}

Phase 4: PPT Conversion

When converting PowerPoint files:

Step 4.1: Extract Content

Use Python with python-pptx to extract:

from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
import json
import os
import base64

def extract_pptx(file_path, output_dir):
    """
    Extract all content from a PowerPoint file.
    Returns a JSON structure with slides, text, and images.
    """
    prs = Presentation(file_path)
    slides_data = []

    # Create assets directory
    assets_dir = os.path.join(output_dir, 'assets')
    os.makedirs(assets_dir, exist_ok=True)

    for slide_num, slide in enumerate(prs.slides):
        slide_data = {
            'number': slide_num + 1,
            'title': '',
            'content': [],
            'images': [],
            'notes': ''
        }

        for shape in slide.shapes:
            # Extract title
            if shape.has_text_frame:
                if shape == slide.shapes.title:
                    slide_data['title'] = shape.text
                else:
                    slide_data['content'].append({
                        'type': 'text',
                        'content': shape.text
                    })

            # Extract images
            if shape.shape_type == 13:  # Picture
                image = shape.image
                image_bytes = image.blob
                image_ext = image.ext
                image_name = f"slide{slide_num + 1}_img{len(slide_data['images']) + 1}.{image_ext}"
                image_path = os.path.join(assets_dir, image_name)

                with open(image_path, 'wb') as f:
                    f.write(image_bytes)

                slide_data['images'].append({
                    'path': f"assets/{image_name}",
                    'width': shape.width,
                    'height': shape.height
                })

        # Extract notes
        if slide.has_notes_slide:
            notes_frame = slide.notes_slide.notes_text_frame
            slide_data['notes'] = notes_frame.text

        slides_data.append(slide_data)

    return slides_data

Step 4.2: Confirm Content Structure

Present the extracted content to the user:

I've extracted the following from your PowerPoint:

**Slide 1: [Title]**
- [Content summary]
- Images: [count]

**Slide 2: [Title]**
- [Content summary]
- Images: [count]

...

All images have been saved to the assets folder.

Does this look correct? Should I proceed with style selection?

Step 4.3: Style Selection

Proceed to Phase 2 (Style Discovery) with the extracted content in mind.

Step 4.4: Generate HTML

Convert the extracted content into the chosen style, preserving:

• All text content
• All images (referenced from assets folder)
• Slide order
• Any speaker notes (as HTML comments or separate file)

Phase 5: Delivery

Final Output

When the presentation is complete:

1. Clean up temporary files

   • Delete .claude-design/slide-previews/ if it exists

2. Open the presentation

   • Use open [filename].html to launch in browser

3. Provide summary

Your presentation is ready!

📁 File: [filename].html
🎨 Style: [Style Name]
📊 Slides: [count]

**Navigation:**
- Arrow keys (← →) or Space to navigate
- Scroll/swipe also works
- Click the dots on the right to jump to a slide

**To customize:**
- Colors: Look for `:root` CSS variables at the top
- Fonts: Change the Fontshare/Google Fonts link
- Animations: Modify `.reveal` class timings

Would you like me to make any adjustments?

Style Reference: Effect → Feeling Mapping

Use this guide to match animations to intended feelings:

Dramatic / Cinematic

• Slow fade-ins (1-1.5s)
• Large scale transitions (0.9 → 1)
• Dark backgrounds with spotlight effects
• Parallax scrolling
• Full-bleed images

Techy / Futuristic

• Neon glow effects (box-shadow with accent color)
• Particle systems (canvas background)
• Grid patterns
• Monospace fonts for accents
• Glitch or scramble text effects
• Cyan, magenta, electric blue palette

Playful / Friendly

• Bouncy easing (spring physics)
• Rounded corners (large radius)
• Pastel or bright colors
• Floating/bobbing animations
• Hand-drawn or illustrated elements

Professional / Corporate

• Subtle, fast animations (200-300ms)
• Clean sans-serif fonts
• Navy, slate, or charcoal backgrounds
• Precise spacing and alignment
• Minimal decorative elements
• Data visualization focus

Calm / Minimal

• Very slow, subtle motion
• High whitespace
• Muted color palette
• Serif typography
• Generous padding
• Content-focused, no distractions

Editorial / Magazine

• Strong typography hierarchy
• Pull quotes and callouts
• Image-text interplay
• Grid-breaking layouts
• Serif headlines, sans-serif body
• Black and white with one accent

Animation Patterns Reference

Entrance Animations

/* Fade + Slide Up (most common) */
.reveal {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(30px);
    transition: opacity 0.6s var(--ease-out-expo),
                transform 0.6s var(--ease-out-expo);
}

.visible .reveal {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
}

/* Scale In */
.reveal-scale {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scale(0.9);
    transition: opacity 0.6s, transform 0.6s var(--ease-out-expo);
}

/* Slide from Left */
.reveal-left {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateX(-50px);
    transition: opacity 0.6s, transform 0.6s var(--ease-out-expo);
}

/* Blur In */
.reveal-blur {
    opacity: 0;
    filter: blur(10px);
    transition: opacity 0.8s, filter 0.8s var(--ease-out-expo);
}

Background Effects

/* Gradient Mesh */
.gradient-bg {
    background:
        radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 80%, rgba(120, 0, 255, 0.3) 0%, transparent 50%),
        radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 20%, rgba(0, 255, 200, 0.2) 0%, transparent 50%),
        var(--bg-primary);
}

/* Noise Texture */
.noise-bg {
    background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,..."); /* Inline SVG noise */
}

/* Grid Pattern */
.grid-bg {
    background-image:
        linear-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 1px, transparent 1px),
        linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 1px, transparent 1px);
    background-size: 50px 50px;
}

Interactive Effects

/* 3D Tilt on Hover */
class TiltEffect {
    constructor(element) {
        this.element = element;
        this.element.style.transformStyle = 'preserve-3d';
        this.element.style.perspective = '1000px';
        this.bindEvents();
    }

    bindEvents() {
        this.element.addEventListener('mousemove', (e) => {
            const rect = this.element.getBoundingClientRect();
            const x = (e.clientX - rect.left) / rect.width - 0.5;
            const y = (e.clientY - rect.top) / rect.height - 0.5;

            this.element.style.transform = `
                rotateY(${x * 10}deg)
                rotateX(${-y * 10}deg)
            `;
        });

        this.element.addEventListener('mouseleave', () => {
            this.element.style.transform = 'rotateY(0) rotateX(0)';
        });
    }
}

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Fonts not loading:

• Check Fontshare/Google Fonts URL
• Ensure font names match in CSS

Animations not triggering:

• Verify Intersection Observer is running
• Check that .visible class is being added

Scroll snap not working:

• Ensure scroll-snap-type on html/body
• Each slide needs scroll-snap-align: start

Mobile issues:

• Disable heavy effects at 768px breakpoint
• Test touch events
• Reduce particle count or disable canvas

Performance issues:

• Use will-change sparingly
• Prefer transform and opacity animations
• Throttle scroll/mousemove handlers

Related Skills

• learn — Generate FORZARA.md documentation for the presentation
• frontend-design — For more complex interactive pages beyond slides
• design-and-refine:design-lab — For iterating on component designs

Example Session Flow

1. User: "I want to create a pitch deck for my AI startup"
2. Skill asks about purpose, length, content
3. User shares their bullet points and key messages
4. Skill asks about desired feeling (Impressed + Excited)
5. Skill generates 3 style previews
6. User picks Style B (Neon Cyber), asks for darker background
7. Skill generates full presentation with all slides
8. Skill opens the presentation in browser
9. User requests tweaks to specific slides
10. Final presentation delivered

Conversion Session Flow

1. User: "Convert my slides.pptx to a web presentation"
2. Skill extracts content and images from PPT
3. Skill confirms extracted content with user
4. Skill asks about desired feeling/style
5. Skill generates style previews
6. User picks a style
7. Skill generates HTML presentation with preserved assets
8. Final presentation delivered

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.