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Best Practices

Create better slides by choosing the right starting point, keeping layout metadata specific, and giving AI clean context.

Choose The Right Starting Point​

Starting pointUse it when
Create from scratchThe structure is open and AI should decide the best slide format.
Use layoutThe output should match a known format or recurring deliverable.
Import .pptxYour team already has a PowerPoint deck that should become reusable layouts.
Canvas Slide columnEach Grid row needs its own slide deck.

Give AI A Clear Job​

Strong slide requests include:

  • Audience, such as "investment committee" or "board".
  • Slide count or format, such as "one-page memo" or "5-slide deck".
  • Source context, especially Grid column mentions with #.
  • Desired visual form, such as "chart-led", "timeline", "comparison table", or "market map".
  • Scope, such as Current page or All pages.

Weak requests are broad and hard to validate, such as "make this better" or "create slides from this data" without audience or format.

Use Layouts For Repeatable Outputs​

Use layouts when consistency matters. A saved layout is especially helpful for:

  • Standard one-pagers
  • Board update sections
  • KPI summaries
  • Investment recommendation pages
  • Pipeline review pages
  • Customer reports

When the content should vary but the structure should stay familiar, use a layout.

Import PPTX For Recurring Formats​

If your team already has a PowerPoint format, import it instead of rebuilding it by hand. Each imported slide becomes a reusable layout, which lets you use the same approved structure in future decks.

Before importing, simplify the PowerPoint file where possible:

  • Remove unused slides.
  • Use static content instead of animations.
  • Remove password protection.
  • Keep images at reasonable file sizes.
  • Keep one clear message per slide.

Keep Layout Descriptions Specific​

The description helps users and AI choose the right layout. It should explain when to use the layout and what content it expects.

Better:

"Use for a one-page investment memo with thesis, key metrics, risks, and recommendation for one company."

Worse:

"Business slide."

Use Clean Source Columns In Grids​

For Canvas Slide columns, Grid structure matters. Prefer:

  • Company Name
  • Business Description
  • Revenue ($M)
  • EBITDA ($M)
  • Investment Thesis
  • Key Risks
  • Recommendation

Avoid vague columns like Notes, Info, or Output when the slide needs precise content. If a source column is long, ask AI to summarize it in a separate reviewed column before generating slides.

Avoid Empty Or Draft-Looking Slides​

Do not leave visible "TBD", "N/A", "data needed", or empty shells in presentation-ready decks unless the slide is intentionally a working draft.

If data is missing, either:

  • Remove the section.
  • State the actual limitation clearly.
  • Add the data to the Grid or source material and regenerate.

Use Visuals Where They Clarify​

Slides are strongest when visuals reduce effort for the reader. Prefer:

  • Charts for numeric trends or comparisons.
  • Tables for exact values.
  • Maps for geography.
  • Timelines for sequences.
  • Logos for company sets or ecosystems.
  • Callouts for the one point that must stand out.

Do not add visuals just for decoration. Every chart, table, map, or logo should make the message easier to understand.

Use Element IDs For Precise Edits​

If AI keeps editing the wrong object, copy the object's element ID from layout details and include it in the request.

Example:

"Update element ID risk_table with the three highest-priority risks from #Risk Analysis. Do not change the rest of the slide."

Review Source Coverage​

When a deck uses sourced claims or values, turn citation badges on before final review. Badges help you confirm that the important numbers, claims, charts, and table values still point to the right document, web, or Grid source.

Use citations as a review layer rather than visible slide content:

  • Keep slide text clean unless the audience should see source text on the slide.
  • Use source columns and # mentions when asking AI to update row-specific slides.
  • Re-check badges after AI rewrites sourced content.
  • Add visible source text separately when the exported PowerPoint should show sources.

Review Before Export​

Before using Export to PPTX:

  • Review the deck in presentation mode.
  • Check numbers in charts and tables.
  • Toggle citations on if the deck uses sourced claims.
  • Save any slide you want to reuse with Save as Layout.
  • Export and open the .pptx file to confirm it looks right in your presentation tool.