Outline Mode
you write the story
Outline Mode is the fastest way to get a deck that matches your intent. You define what each slide should say, then GeneratePPT turns it into a designed presentation you can refine and export.
When to use Outline Mode
Use Outline Mode when you already know the structure, but you do not want to spend hours formatting slides. It is also the best option when the input is messy: long PDFs, scattered notes, or a bunch of bullets from a meeting.
Perfect for
- Decks where slide count must be exact (pitch, class, sales call)
- When you need strict control over what gets included and what gets ignored
- Turning “rough notes” into something presentable fast
1. Open Outline mode
Click AI Generate. In the input source row, choose Outline. You will see a list of slide rows with a slide number, a layout dropdown, and a notes field.
2. Build your outline
Think of each row as “what must be true on this slide”. Write the point, then add the key supporting details: numbers, definitions, or examples. You do not need perfect wording. You just need clarity.
One slide should communicate one point. If you are stacking points, split the slide.
Add the numbers or facts that support the point. Do not make the AI guess.
Write the intended takeaway: “So what?” This helps the generator stay focused.
If you are stuck: write slide titles only first. Then come back and fill in the notes for each slide.
3. Pick layouts (or Auto)
Each outline row has a layout dropdown. Use Auto Layout for most slides and override only when you know the format you want.
A simple rule
- Use Title for the first slide and section breaks.
- Use Auto for most content slides.
- Use Chart / Metrics when you provide numbers.
4. Generate the deck
Set the remaining fields (Type, Language, Audience Goal), then click Generate Presentation. In Outline Mode, the generator follows your slide list exactly. It does not invent extra slides or remove your slides.
You control structure and intent. The AI handles phrasing and slide layout. That is the division of labor that keeps decks from turning into random AI fluff.
5. Tighten with AI Director
After generation, use AI Director to polish slide-by-slide. This is where you remove filler, sharpen titles, and make the deck sound like you.
High-signal prompts
- “Rewrite this slide in plain language. Keep the meaning.”
- “Cut this by 30%. Keep the important numbers.”
- “Make the title sharper and more specific.”
Full guide: AI Director
6. Export
Export PPTX when the deck will be edited later. Export PDF when you want a stable file for sharing or printing. Outline Mode is especially good for PPTX because the structure is already clean.
Troubleshooting
- Deck feels generic: make your outline rows more specific (numbers, decisions, concrete terms).
- Slides too text-heavy: split one row into two slides, or force a simpler layout for that row.
- Wrong emphasis: rewrite the Goal sentence. It influences the entire draft.
FAQ
what is outline mode?
It is a slide-by-slide builder. You define the outline, then GeneratePPT turns it into a designed deck.
when should i use outline mode instead of topic or pdf?
When you need strict structure, fixed slide count, or your source material is messy and you do not want random summarization.
what does auto layout do?
It chooses a layout based on the content in your row. You keep control of the story, it chooses the structure.
how detailed should each outline row be?
Detailed enough to be unambiguous: point, proof, takeaway. You can be rough. The AI will polish.
can i change slide layouts after generation?
Yes. Outline Mode is about the first draft. After that, you can edit and rearrange like any deck.
Want the fastest polishing workflow? Read AI Director. Want to start from raw text instead? Use Text to PPT.