| name | pptx-posters |
| description | Create research posters using HTML/CSS that can be exported to PDF or PPTX. Use this skill ONLY when the user explicitly requests PowerPoint/PPTX poster format. For standard research posters, use latex-posters instead. This skill provides modern web-based poster design with responsive layouts and easy visual integration. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Edit Bash |
| license | MIT license |
| metadata | version: "1.0" skill-author: K-Dense Inc. |
PPTX Research Posters (HTML-Based)
Overview
⚠️ USE THIS SKILL ONLY WHEN USER EXPLICITLY REQUESTS PPTX/POWERPOINT POSTER FORMAT.
For standard research posters, use the latex-posters skill instead, which provides better typographic control and is the default for academic conferences.
This skill creates research posters using HTML/CSS, which can then be exported to PDF or converted to PowerPoint format. The web-based approach offers:
- Modern, responsive layouts
- Easy integration of AI-generated visuals
- Quick iteration and preview in browser
- Export to PDF via browser print function
- Conversion to PPTX if specifically needed
When to Use This Skill
ONLY use this skill when:
- User explicitly requests "PPTX poster", "PowerPoint poster", or "PPT poster"
- User specifically asks for HTML-based poster
- User needs to edit poster in PowerPoint after creation
- LaTeX is not available or user requests non-LaTeX solution
DO NOT use this skill when:
- User asks for a "poster" without specifying format → Use latex-posters
- User asks for "research poster" or "conference poster" → Use latex-posters
- User mentions LaTeX, tikzposter, beamerposter, or baposter → Use latex-posters
AI-Powered Visual Element Generation
STANDARD WORKFLOW: Generate ALL major visual elements using AI before creating the HTML poster.
This is the recommended approach for creating visually compelling posters:
- Plan all visual elements needed (hero image, intro, methods, results, conclusions)
- Generate each element using scientific-schematics or Nano Banana Pro
- Assemble generated images in the HTML template
- Add text content around the visuals
Target: 60-70% of poster area should be AI-generated visuals, 30-40% text.
CRITICAL: Poster-Size Font Requirements
⚠️ ALL text within AI-generated visualizations MUST be poster-readable.
When generating graphics for posters, you MUST include font size specifications in EVERY prompt. Poster graphics are viewed from 4-6 feet away, so text must be LARGE.
MANDATORY prompt requirements for EVERY poster graphic:
POSTER FORMAT REQUIREMENTS (STRICTLY ENFORCE):
- ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM 3-4 elements per graphic (3 is ideal)
- ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM 10 words total in the entire graphic
- NO complex workflows with 5+ steps (split into 2-3 simple graphics instead)
- NO multi-level nested diagrams (flatten to single level)
- NO case studies with multiple sub-sections (one key point per case)
- ALL text GIANT BOLD (80pt+ for labels, 120pt+ for key numbers)
- High contrast ONLY (dark on white OR white on dark, NO gradients with text)
- MANDATORY 50% white space minimum (half the graphic should be empty)
- Thick lines only (5px+ minimum), large icons (200px+ minimum)
- ONE SINGLE MESSAGE per graphic (not 3 related messages)
⚠️ BEFORE GENERATING: Review your prompt and count elements
- If your description has 5+ items → STOP. Split into multiple graphics
- If your workflow has 5+ stages → STOP. Show only 3-4 high-level steps
- If your comparison has 4+ methods → STOP. Show only top 3 or Our vs Best Baseline
Example - WRONG (7-stage workflow):
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Drug discovery workflow: Stage 1 Target ID, Stage 2 Synthesis, Stage 3 Screening, Stage 4 Lead Opt, Stage 5 Validation, Stage 6 Clinical Trial, Stage 7 FDA Approval with metrics." -o figures/workflow.png
Example - CORRECT (3 mega-stages):
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ULTRA-SIMPLE 3-box workflow: 'DISCOVER' → 'VALIDATE' → 'APPROVE'. Each word in GIANT bold (120pt+). Thick arrows (10px). 60% white space. ONLY these 3 words. NO substeps. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/workflow_simple.png
CRITICAL: Preventing Content Overflow
⚠️ POSTERS MUST NOT HAVE TEXT OR CONTENT CUT OFF AT EDGES.
Prevention Rules:
1. Limit Content Sections (MAXIMUM 5-6 sections):
✅ GOOD - 5 sections with room to breathe:
- Title/Header
- Introduction/Problem
- Methods
- Results (1-2 key findings)
- Conclusions
❌ BAD - 8+ sections crammed together
2. Word Count Limits:
- Per section: 50-100 words maximum
- Total poster: 300-800 words MAXIMUM
- If you have more content: Cut it or make a handout
Core Capabilities
1. HTML/CSS Poster Design
The HTML template (assets/poster_html_template.html) provides:
- Fixed poster dimensions (36×48 inches = 2592×3456 pt)
- Professional header with gradient styling
- Three-column content layout
- Block-based sections with modern styling
- Footer with references and contact info
2. Poster Structure
Standard Layout:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ HEADER: Title, Authors, Hero Image │
├─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┤
│ Introduction│ Results │ Discussion │
│ │ │ │
│ Methods │ (charts) │ Conclusions │
│ │ │ │
│ (diagram) │ (data) │ (summary) │
├─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┤
│ FOOTER: References & Contact Info │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
3. Visual Integration
Each section should prominently feature AI-generated visuals:
Hero Image (Header):
<img src="figures/hero.png" class="hero-image">
Section Graphics:
<div class="block">
<h2 class="block-title">Methods</h2>
<div class="block-content">
<img src="figures/workflow.png" class="block-image">
<ul>
<li>Brief methodology point</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
4. Generating Visual Elements
Before creating the HTML, generate all visual elements:
mkdir -p figures
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. Hero banner: '[TOPIC]' in HUGE text (120pt+). Dark blue gradient background. ONE iconic visual. Minimal text. Readable from 15 feet." -o figures/hero.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE visual with ONLY 3 icons: [icon1] → [icon2] → [icon3]. ONE word labels (80pt+). 50% white space. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/intro.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: STEP1 → STEP2 → STEP3 → STEP4. GIANT labels (100pt+). Thick arrows. 50% white space. NO sub-steps." -o figures/workflow.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE bar chart with ONLY 3 bars: BASELINE (70%), EXISTING (85%), OURS (95%). GIANT percentages ON bars (120pt+). NO axis, NO legend. 50% white space." -o figures/results.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. EXACTLY 3 cards: '95%' (150pt) 'ACCURACY' (60pt), '2X' (150pt) 'FASTER' (60pt), checkmark 'READY' (60pt). 50% white space. NO other text." -o figures/conclusions.png
Workflow for PPTX Poster Creation
Stage 1: Planning
- Confirm PPTX is explicitly requested
- Determine poster requirements:
- Size: 36×48 inches (most common) or A0
- Orientation: Portrait (most common)
- Develop content outline:
- Identify 1-3 core messages
- Plan 3-5 visual elements
- Draft minimal text (300-800 words total)
Stage 2: Generate Visual Elements (AI-Powered)
CRITICAL: Generate SIMPLE figures with MINIMAL content.
mkdir -p figures
Stage 3: Create HTML Poster
-
Copy the template:
cp skills/pptx-posters/assets/poster_html_template.html poster.html
-
Update content:
- Replace placeholder title and authors
- Insert AI-generated images
- Add minimal supporting text
- Update references and contact info
-
Preview in browser:
open poster.html
xdg-open poster.html
Stage 4: Export to PDF
Browser Print Method:
- Open poster.html in Chrome or Firefox
- Print (Cmd/Ctrl + P)
- Select "Save as PDF"
- Set paper size to match poster dimensions
- Remove margins
- Enable "Background graphics"
Command Line (if Chrome available):
google-chrome --headless --print-to-pdf=poster.pdf \
--print-to-pdf-no-header \
--no-margins \
poster.html
Stage 5: Convert to PPTX (If Required)
Option 1: PDF to PPTX conversion
libreoffice --headless --convert-to pptx poster.pdf
Option 2: Direct PPTX creation with python-pptx
from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
prs = Presentation()
prs.slide_width = Inches(48)
prs.slide_height = Inches(36)
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[6])
slide.shapes.add_picture("figures/hero.png", Inches(0), Inches(0), width=Inches(48))
prs.save("poster.pptx")
HTML Template Structure
The provided template (assets/poster_html_template.html) includes:
CSS Variables for Customization
body {
width: 2592pt;
height: 3456pt;
}
.header {
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a365d 0%, #2b6cb0 50%, #3182ce 100%);
}
.poster-title { font-size: 108pt; }
.authors { font-size: 48pt; }
.block-title { font-size: 52pt; }
.block-content { font-size: 34pt; }
Key Classes
| Class | Purpose | Font Size |
|---|
.poster-title | Main title | 108pt |
.authors | Author names | 48pt |
.affiliations | Institutions | 38pt |
.block-title | Section headers | 52pt |
.block-content | Body text | 34pt |
.key-finding | Highlight box | 36pt |
Quality Checklist
Step 0: Pre-Generation Review (MANDATORY)
For EACH planned graphic, verify:
Reject these patterns:
- ❌ "7-stage workflow" → Simplify to "3 mega-stages"
- ❌ "Multiple case studies" → One case per graphic
- ❌ "Timeline 2015-2024 annual" → "ONLY 3 key years"
- ❌ "Compare 6 methods" → "ONLY 2: ours vs best"
Step 2b: Post-Generation Review (MANDATORY)
For EACH generated figure at 25% zoom:
✅ PASS criteria (ALL must be true):
❌ FAIL criteria (regenerate if ANY true):
After Export
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
AI-Generated Graphics Mistakes:
- ❌ Too many elements (10+ items) → Keep to 3-5 max
- ❌ Text too small → Specify "GIANT (100pt+)" in prompts
- ❌ No white space → Add "50% white space" to every prompt
- ❌ Complex flowcharts (8+ steps) → Limit to 4-5 steps
HTML/Export Mistakes:
- ❌ Content exceeding poster dimensions → Check overflow in browser
- ❌ Missing background graphics in PDF → Enable in print settings
- ❌ Wrong paper size in PDF → Match poster dimensions exactly
- ❌ Low-resolution images → Use 300 DPI minimum
Content Mistakes:
- ❌ Too much text (over 1000 words) → Cut to 300-800 words
- ❌ Too many sections (7+) → Consolidate to 5-6
- ❌ No clear visual hierarchy → Make key findings prominent
Integration with Other Skills
This skill works with:
- Scientific Schematics: Generate all poster diagrams and flowcharts
- Generate Image / Nano Banana Pro: Create stylized graphics and hero images
- LaTeX Posters: DEFAULT skill for poster creation (use this instead unless PPTX explicitly requested)
Template Assets
Available in assets/ directory:
poster_html_template.html: Main HTML poster template (36×48 inches)poster_quality_checklist.md: Pre-submission validation checklist
References
Available in references/ directory:
poster_content_guide.md: Content organization and writing guidelinesposter_design_principles.md: Typography, color theory, and visual hierarchyposter_layout_design.md: Layout principles and grid systems
