skills-ppt-designer

Professional PPT Design and Production Skill

Based on design best practices, create beautiful, professional presentations with visual impact.

Core Design Principles

The Four Principles of Typography (CRAP)

1. Contrast

• Purpose: Highlight key points through visual differences and guide the audience's attention
• Implementation Methods:
  • Font size contrast: title vs body text (recommended ratio 2:1 or larger)
  • Font weight contrast: bold titles vs regular body text
  • Color contrast: dark titles vs light body text, or use the brand's primary color
  • Shape contrast: square color blocks vs rounded elements
• Application Scenarios:
  • Highlight prices, data, and key conclusions
  • Distinguish different information levels
  • Create a visual focal point

2. Repetition

• Purpose: Establish visual consistency so the PPT "looks like one set"
• Elements That Must Be Unified:
  • Color system: only one primary color, no more than 3 secondary colors
  • Font styles: the font, font size, and font weight of titles, body text, and emphasized text remain consistent
  • Color block and line style: corner radius, border thickness, shadow effects
  • Icon and image style: flat/three-dimensional, color scheme, and style remain consistent
  • Layout structure: navigation bar position, content area size, page number position
• Checkpoints:
  • Do all body pages use the same basic layout?
  • Are all transition page layouts consistent?
  • Are the title font size and line spacing the same across different pages?

3. Alignment

• Purpose: Establish a sense of order and guide visual flow
• Golden Rule: The position of any element on the page is not arbitrary
• Alignment Methods:
  • Horizontal text: center alignment, left alignment, right alignment
  • Vertical text: center alignment, top alignment, bottom alignment
  • When left-aligning multiple paragraphs of text, use the "justify" command
• Advanced Techniques:
  • Use a grid system to assist alignment
  • Align related element groups (such as aligning image edges with text edges)
  • Use guides to ensure precise alignment
• Inspection Standard: The first standard of a professional PPT is alignment

4. Proximity

• Purpose: Express the logical connections of information through distance relationships
• Implementation Rules:
  • Related information stays close to form a visual unit
  • Different information groups are spaced apart
  • Line spacing within a text group < spacing between text groups < character spacing
• Specific Applications:
  • The distance between a title and its corresponding content is smaller than the distance between different content blocks
  • Use "white space" to separate different information units
  • Margin control: margins should be sufficient (recommended at least 5-8% of page width)

Text hierarchy

Hierarchy division principles

• Number of levels: Text hierarchy in a PPT should be kept between 1-3 levels
• Division method: First parent-child level (title-content), then sibling level (same-level content)
• Visual presentation:

  一级：主标题（最大、最醒目）
  二级：副标题或章节标题（中等大小）
  三级：正文内容（基础字号）
  

Line spacing and letter spacing standards

• Line spacing: 1.2-1.4 times (select "Multiple line spacing" in paragraph settings)
• Letter spacing:
  • Large titles of size 24 or above: appropriately reduce letter spacing (-5% to -10%)
  • Body text: use default letter spacing
  • Avoid: excessively widening letter spacing (which breaks the unity of the text)
• Text group spacing:
  • Line spacing within a text group: 1.2-1.4 times line height
  • Distance between text groups: at least 2-3 times the line spacing
  • Letter spacing < line spacing < group spacing (progressive relationship)

Font selection

• Recommended Chinese fonts:
  • Business occasions: Microsoft YaHei, Source Han Sans, PingFang
  • Creative occasions: Alibaba PuHuiTi, ZCool series fonts
  • Academic occasions: SimSun, Source Han Serif
• English/number fonts:
  • Modern and concise: Helvetica, Arial, Roboto
  • Elegant and high-end: Montserrat, Gotham, Avenir
  • Data display: DIN, SF Pro Display
• Font pairing principles:
  • No more than 2-3 font families
  • Titles and body text can use different fonts to enhance contrast
  • When using different fonts for Chinese and English, ensure visual harmony

Color scheme

Basic color theory

• Primary color: 1 type (brand color or theme color)
• Secondary colors: 1-2 types (auxiliary and supplementary)
• Accent color: 1 type (used for emphasis)
• Neutral colors: black/white/gray (used for background and text)

Types of color schemes

1. Monochromatic color scheme

   • Use different lightness and saturation of one color
   • Suitable for: concise, professional business presentations
   • Example: dark blue + light blue + very light blue + white

2. Complementary color scheme

   • Use colors opposite each other on the color wheel
   • Suitable for: scenes requiring strong contrast and visual impact
   • Example: blue + orange, purple + yellow

3. Analogous color scheme

   • Use adjacent colors on the color wheel
   • Suitable for: harmonious, comfortable visual effects
   • Example: blue + teal + green

4. Triadic color scheme

   • Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel
   • Suitable for: lively, rich but balanced scenes
   • Example: red + yellow + blue

Color suggestions for different scenarios

• Business reporting: dark blue + gray tones (steady, professional)
• Creative proposals: vivid contrasting colors (energetic, innovative)
• Academic reports: dark colors + neutral colors (rigorous, reliable)
• Marketing: Brand color + complementary color (eye-catching)
• Education and Training: Warm and bright colors (friendly, easy to accept)

Practical Color Matching Techniques

• 60-30-10 Rule:
  • Primary color accounts for 60% (background, large color blocks)
  • Secondary color accounts for 30% (secondary elements, dividers)
  • Accent color accounts for 10% (key information, buttons)
• Color Saturation Control:
  • Background: low saturation (10-30%)
  • Body text color blocks: medium saturation (40-70%)
  • Accent elements: high saturation (80-100%)
• Reference Method:
  • Use a color picker to extract color schemes from excellent designs
  • Reference websites: Coolors.co, Adobe Color, Color Hunt
  • Analyze the color schemes of brand official websites and high-quality PPT templates

Image Usage Techniques

Image Selection Principles

• High Definition Principle: Resolution of at least 1920x1080, avoid blurriness and pixelation
• Relevance: Images must be directly related to the content topic
• Consistent Style: The image style of the entire PPT should remain consistent
  • Photography style: use photos throughout
  • Illustration style: use illustrations throughout
  • Flat style: use flat design icons and graphics
• Copyright Compliance: Use free stock image libraries or authorized images

Image Processing Techniques

1. Image Cropping

• Golden Ratio Composition: Place key elements at the golden ratio points of the frame
• Rule of Thirds Composition: Place the subject at the intersections of the thirds lines
• Centered Composition: Suitable for symmetrical and formal scenes
• Tools: PPT's built-in cropping function, maintain aspect ratio

2. Image Masking

• Semi-transparent Mask: Overlay a semi-transparent color block on the image
  • Purpose: reduce image distraction and highlight text
  • Recommended transparency: 30-60%
  • Color: use the primary color or black/white
• Gradient Mask: Use gradient color blocks (such as a dark gradient at the bottom)
  • Suitable for: scenes where text is placed below the image

3. Image Blurring

• Background Blur: Blur the background to highlight the subject
  • Method: use "Artistic Effects" > "Blur"
  • Intensity: adjust as needed (light 10-20%, heavy 50-70%)
• Gaussian Blur: Use high-intensity blur when using an image as a background

4. Image Desaturation

• Black and White Effect: Convert the image to black and white
  • Suitable for: creating a professional and serious atmosphere
  • Can be contrasted with local color elements
• Duotone: Use a specific color filter
  • Suitable for: unifying the image tone with the theme color

Image Layout and Arrangement

Single Image Layout

• Full-screen Background: The image fills the entire page, with text overlaid on top
• Split-screen Layout: The image occupies half the page, and text occupies the other half
• Small Image with Large Text: Images as decoration, text as the main subject

Multi-image layout

• Grid layout: Regular arrangements such as 2x2, 3x3, etc.
  • Keep image spacing consistent
  • Use the "Align" tool to ensure neatness
• Collage layout: Combination of images in different sizes
  • Maintain visual balance
  • Give important images a larger area
• Timeline layout: Arrange horizontally or vertically to show a process
• Diagonal layout: Arrange images along a diagonal

Combining text and images

• Text wrapping: Text wraps around images (suitable for scenes with more body text)
• Image frame: Use images as a content frame
• Image cutting: Place text in the blank areas of the image

Working with Seedream 4.0 image generation

When customized images need to be generated for a PPT, you can call seedream-imagegen skill：

Image generation suggestions

1. Clarify the image purpose

   • Cover image: grand, clear theme, 16:9 or 4:3 ratio
   • Content illustrations: concise, supportive explanation, choose the ratio according to the layout
   • Background image: low saturation, rich layers, suitable for adding masks

2. Prompt optimization

   • Describe the style: flat illustration, realistic photography, business minimalist, etc.
   • Specify colors: keep consistent with the PPT's main color scheme
   • Clarify elements: avoid overly complex details
   • Specify ratio: choose 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1 according to the page layout

3. Generation suggestions

   • Generate 2-4 images in batches and choose the best effect
   • Use 2K resolution (4K for printing or high-definition scenarios)
   • Provide reference images to guide the style (such as existing brand materials)

4. Post-processing

   • Crop appropriately in the PPT to match the layout
   • Add masks to improve text readability
   • Adjust transparency, brightness, and contrast to blend into the overall design

Image generation call example

请使用 seedream-imagegen skill 为我生成一张商务风格的PPT封面图，
要求：
- 风格：简约商务、科技感
- 颜色：深蓝色调为主，与我的品牌色#1a3c6d协调
- 比例：16:9
- 分辨率：2K
- 元素：抽象的科技连接线、光效，避免具体人物

Visual hierarchy design

Information hierarchy

• Primary information: Occupies the largest area and is the most eye-catching (such as conclusions, key data)
• Secondary information: Medium area, supports the primary information (such as explanations, background)
• Auxiliary information: Small area, supplementary explanation (such as notes, sources)

Visual guidance path

• Z-shaped path: Title upper left → content upper right → lower left → lower right
• F-shaped path: Title at the top → vertical scan along the left side of the content
• Center radiation: The center is the focus, spreading outward in all directions
• Guide lines: Use lines and arrows to guide the flow of sight

The art of white space

• Page margins: At least 5-8% of the page width/height
• Element spacing: Leave enough breathing space between different modules
• White space around text: Avoid text being too close to edges or images
• "Less is more" principle: Keep the amount of information per page to 3-5 key points

Common Layout Structures

1. Cover Page

• Standard: Centered large title + subtitle + date/speaker
• Split-screen: Image takes up half, title takes up the other half
• Full-image: Full-screen background image + large title + overlay

2. Table of Contents Page

• List style: List chapters vertically, using numbers or icons
• Card style: Present each chapter on a separate card
• Image and text style: Pair each chapter with a small icon or thumbnail

3. Content Page

• Text-only page: Title + bullet point list (using bullets or numbering)
• Image and text page: Image on the left with text on the right, or image on top with text below
• Three-column layout: Display three key points side by side
• Comparison page: Compare two options/data points side by side

4. Data Page

• Chart-focused: Charts take up more than 70%, with brief explanations
• Dashboard style: Combine multiple small charts to display key metrics
• Number emphasis: Extra-large number + small text explanation

5. Transition Page

• Section page: Show only the chapter title, with simple decoration
• Quote page: Quote a famous saying or key question
• Image page: Full-screen image + chapter title

6. Closing Page

• Thank-you page: "谢谢"/"Thank You" + contact information
• Q&A page: "Q&A session" prompt
• Call to action: "Contact us" + "Scan the QR code to follow" etc.

Complete Production Workflow

Phase One: Planning and Preparation

1. Clarify goals and audience

• What is the purpose of the presentation? (report, pitch, teaching, proposal)
• Who is the audience? (leaders, clients, colleagues, students)
• What effect is expected? (persuade, inform, motivate)

2. Content organization

• Determine the topic and core message
• List the main points (3-5)
• Prepare supporting material for each point (data, cases, charts)
• Design the logical structure (general-specific-general, problem-solution-result, etc.)

3. Design planning

• Determine the overall style (business, creative, academic, tech, etc.)
• Choose a color scheme (primary color + secondary color + accent color)
• Determine fonts (Chinese + English/numbers)
• Plan layout types (which charts and images are needed)

Phase Two: Creation and Design

4. Read the pptx skill

Before starting actual production, you must first read the /mnt/skills/public/pptx/SKILL.md file to understand:

• PPT technical implementation methods
• html2pptx workflow
• Methods for adding charts and tables
• Precautions and best practices

5. Production steps

Follow the standard process in the pptx skill:

a. Write a detailed outline

• Write a title and content points for each page
• Write speaker notes (1-3 sentences per page)
• Describe the layout and visual elements of each page

b. Design CSS styles

• Create a shared CSS file
• Define CSS variables (colors, fonts, spacing)
• Apply this skill's design principles (CRAP, hierarchy, color scheme)

c. Create HTML slides

• Create an HTML file for each page
• Apply the four principles of typography
• Ensure clear text hierarchy
• Reserve space for charts/tables (use placeholders)
• Embed the shared CSS

d. Convert to PowerPoint

• Use html2pptx to convert HTML to PPT
• Add charts and data
• Save the final file

6. Image processing

• If custom images need to be generated, call the seedream-imagegen skill
• Perform necessary processing on images (cropping, masking, blurring)
• Ensure image resolution is high enough
• Unify the image style

Phase 3: Optimization and review

7. Design checklist

Typography check

• Are all elements precisely aligned?
• Is the contrast between headings and body text obvious?
• Is the text hierarchy clear (levels 1-3)?
• Are line spacing and letter spacing appropriate (1.2-1.4x)?
• Are related items close together (proximity)?
• Is there sufficient white space (page margins, element spacing)?

Color scheme check

• Does it follow the 60-30-10 rule?
• Is the primary color used consistently?
• Are there no more than 3 secondary colors?
• Does the color scheme match the scenario (business/creative/academic)?
• Is the contrast between background and text sufficient?
• Is the accent color used only for key information?

Consistency check (repetition principle)

• Are font styles globally consistent?
• Are heading font sizes and font weights consistent?
• Is body text line spacing consistent?
• Are the styles of color blocks and lines consistent?
• Are icon and image styles consistent?
• Is the layout structure consistent (navigation, content area)?
• Is the transition page layout consistent?

Image check

• Are the images high-definition (no blur, no pixelation)?
• Is the image style consistent?
• Are the images relevant to the content?
• Have necessary masks been added?
• Is the image layout neat?
• Is the spacing between images and text appropriate?

Content check

• Are the key points on each page kept to 3-5?
• Is the text concise (delete whatever can be deleted)?
• Are there any spelling or grammar errors?
• Are data sources cited?
• Is the logical flow clear?
• Are the speaker notes complete?

Technical check

• Are there any hyperlinks that need to be added?
• Are the animation effects appropriate (not excessive)?
• Have page numbers been added?
• Is the file size reasonable (recommended <50MB)?
• Have the fonts been embedded?
• Have you tested it on the target device?

8. Testing and Optimization

• Preview on the actual presentation device
• Check the projection effect (color, contrast)
• Rehearse the presentation and check the flow of content
• Make adjustments based on feedback

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: The page looks crowded

Solution：

• Reduce the amount of information per page (split into multiple pages)
• Increase page margins and spacing between elements
• Use larger font sizes
• Remove unnecessary decorative elements

Problem 2: The color scheme looks uncoordinated

Solution：

• Use online color tools (Coolors.co, Adobe Color)
• Refer to the color schemes of excellent examples
• Reduce saturation (avoid being too vivid)
• Limit the number of colors (at most 4-5)

Problem 3: Text hierarchy is unclear

Solution：

• Increase the font size gap between headings and body text (at least 2:1)
• Use different font weights (bold headings, regular body text)
• Use color appropriately to distinguish hierarchy
• Adjust the spacing between text groups (1.2-1.4x line spacing)

Problem 4: Images do not match the overall style

Solution：

• Use either photography or illustrations consistently
• Apply the same filter to all images
• Use a unified image mask
• Consider using seedream-imagegen to generate images with a consistent style

Problem 5: The PPT does not look like one set

Solution：

• Check and unify the font styles of all pages
• Make sure the primary color appears on all pages
• Unify the layout structure (navigation bar, content area size)
• Use exactly the same design for transition pages

Problem 6: Data charts are difficult to understand

Solution：

• Simplify the chart (remove unnecessary gridlines and legends)
• Use color to highlight key data
• Add data labels (display values directly)
• Pair with brief text explanations
• Show only one core data insight per page

Advanced Techniques

1. Principles for Using Animation Effects

• Less is More: Animation should serve the content, not decorate it
• Applicable Scenarios:
  • Reveal bullet point lists (appear one by one)
  • Guide the eye (arrows, highlights)
  • Show a process (steps appear in sequence)
  • Emphasize key points (enlarge, color change)
• Avoid:
  • Excessive fancy animations such as fly-in and rotation
  • Adding animation to every page (it will seem cumbersome)
  • Animation taking too long (0.3-0.5 seconds per animation is appropriate)

2. Best Practices for Data Visualization

• Choose the correct chart type:
  • Trend: line chart
  • Comparison: bar chart
  • Proportion: pie chart, donut chart
  • Relationship: scatter plot
  • Process: Sankey diagram, flowchart
• Simplify the chart:
  • Remove redundant gridlines
  • Streamline the legend (label directly)
  • Use data labels
  • Highlight key data points
• Color scheme recommendations:
  • Use theme colors
  • Use accent colors for important data
  • Use neutral gray for other data

3. Storytelling PPT structure

• Opening: Raise a question or pain point
• Background: Provide necessary background information
• Conflict: Show challenges or difficulties
• Solution: Propose a solution
• Evidence: Support the solution with data and cases
• Action: Clear call to action
• Ending: Summary and outlook

4. Design priorities for different scenarios

Business report

• Focus: data, logic, professionalism
• Color scheme: dark tones, steady
• Images: reduce decorative images, use more charts
• Fonts: sans-serif fonts, concise

Creative proposal

• Focus: visual impact, sense of innovation
• Color scheme: bold, strong contrast
• Images: high-quality creative images, illustrations
• Fonts: fonts with a strong design feel can be used

Academic report

• Focus: rigor, data, logic
• Color scheme: mainly neutral colors
• Images: data charts, experimental results
• Fonts: traditional fonts, easy to read

Sales presentation

• Focus: persuasiveness, customer benefits
• Color scheme: consistent with the brand
• Images: product images, success stories
• Fonts: clear, professional

Reference resources

Recommended learning

• The Non-Designer's Design Book (4th Edition) - Robin Williams
• SSPai PPT Design Series Tutorials
• ZCOOL - Appreciation of excellent PPT works
• iSlide design tutorials

Practical tools

• Online color schemes: Coolors.co, Adobe Color, Color Hunt
• Image assets: Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay
• Icon assets: Iconfinder, Flaticon, Noun Project
• Font resources: Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts
• AI image generation: seedream-imagegen skill (call to generate custom images)

Sources of inspiration

• Behance PPT design works
• Dribbble Presentation design
• SlideShare excellent cases
• Pinterest PPT design boards

Summary

Good PPT design follows these core principles:

1. The four CRAP principles: contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity
2. Simplicity first: less is more, 3-5 key points per page
3. Clear hierarchy: 1-3 text levels, clear visual guidance
4. Harmonious color scheme: primary color + secondary color + accent color, follow 60-30-10
5. High-quality images: high-definition, relevant, consistent style
6. Consistency: the entire PPT looks like one whole

Production process:

1. Plan goals and content
2. Design style and color scheme
3. Follow the pptx skill technical process
4. Use the design principles of this skill
5. Call seedream-imagegen to generate images
6. Check and optimize

Remember:The essence of PPT is information delivery; design serves the content.