/pptx-posters

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:
    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: 1. Plan all visual elements needed (hero image, intro, methods, results, conclusions) 2. Generate each element using scientific-schematics or Nano Banana Pro 3. Assemble generated images in the HTML template 4. 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):**

# ❌ Creates tiny unreadable text
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):**

# ✅ Same content, simplified to readable poster format
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>