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How PPT Generation Works

The PowerPoint (PPT) generation process produces a .pptx file as an image-based Report Pack. Each input report image is converted into a separate slide within the presentation. The process is driven by configuration settings and a structured input definition.

For details about PDF generation, refer to How PDF Generation Works: TOC Processing.

1. Input Requirements

The generator requires the following inputs:

  • A configuration where output_format=ppt
  • A structured JSON containing:
    • files — a list of slide sources, including:
      • image path
      • optional title and subtitle
      • This list is automatically prepared by the application.
    • nsd_files — optional supporting assets such as a logo

2. Input File Mapping

In PPT mode, only one alias is relevant:

AliasConfiguration MappingPurpose
ppt_logo
config.logo_file
Displays a logo on each slide

The following aliases are not applicable in PPT generation:

  • first_page
  • last_page

These are specific to PDF processing and are not used in this context.

3. Generation Workflow

When PPT mode is enabled, the system performs the following steps:

  1. Presentation Initialization
    • A new, empty PowerPoint presentation is created.
  2. Slide Creation
    • The system iterates through the files list.
    • For each entry:
      • A new slide is added.
      • The corresponding image is inserted.
  3. Optional Content Rendering
    • If enabled via configuration:
      • Titles and subtitles are rendered on the slide.
      • A logo is placed in the bottom-left corner.
  4. Image Placement
    • Images are scaled proportionally.
    • Each image is centered within the slide layout.
  5. Slide Numbering
    • After all slides are generated, slide numbers are applied across the presentation.
  6. Output Generation
    • The final presentation is saved as a .pptx file.

4. Behavior and Constraints

  • Each slide corresponds to exactly one image from the input list.
  • Slide order strictly follows the sequence defined in the files list.
  • Visual structure and ordering must be controlled at the input level.

5. Differences from PDF Processing

PPT generation differs significantly from PDF merging:

  • No Table of Contents (TOC) is generated.
  • No TOC slide is created automatically.
  • No concept of a "first page" or "last page" insertion.
  • No clickable navigation links or section-based linking.
  • No dynamic or template-based content population mechanisms.

All structural and navigational aspects must be defined implicitly through slide ordering.

6. Configuration Capabilities

The PPT generator supports the following configurable features:

  • Slide titles and subtitles (optional)
  • Logo placement via ppt_logo or configuration settings
  • Image compression quality (img_compress_quality)
  • Slide numbering

7. User Interaction

The PPT generation process is fully automated:

  • No manual execution steps are required.
  • The process is triggered through the user interface when the PPT export action is selected.

8. Summary

The PPT Report Pack generator constructs a presentation by transforming a sequence of images into slides. It applies optional visual enhancements such as titles, logos, and numbering, while maintaining a simple, linear structure defined by the input list. Unlike PDF processing, it does not include advanced navigation or template-driven features.