This skill covers all export options in Slidev, including PDF, PPTX, PNG, and Markdown exports with various configuration options.
When to Use This Skill
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Sharing presentations without running Slidev
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Creating PDF handouts
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Archiving presentations
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Printing slides
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Converting to PowerPoint
Export Methods
Browser Exporter (Recommended)
Since v0.50.0, use the built-in browser exporter:
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Run your presentation:
npm run dev -
Open the Export panel from navigation bar
-
Or navigate to:
http://localhost:3030/export -
Choose format and options
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Click Export
CLI Export
Requires playwright-chromium:
npm install -D playwright-chromium
Then:
npx slidev export
Export Formats
PDF Export
Browser Method:
-
Open
/export -
Select "PDF"
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Configure options
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Download
CLI Method:
npx slidev export
Output: ./slides-export.pdf
PPTX Export
Browser Method:
-
Open
/export -
Select "PPTX"
-
Download
CLI Method:
npx slidev export --format pptx
Output: ./slides-export.pptx
Note: Slides exported as images, presenter notes included.
PNG Export
CLI Method:
npx slidev export --format png
Output: Individual PNG files in ./slides-export/ directory.
Markdown Export
npx slidev export --format md
Compiles Markdown with embedded PNG images.
CLI Options
Basic Options
| --format
| Export format: pdf, pptx, png, md
| --output
| Output file/directory name
| --dark
| Export in dark mode
| --with-clicks
| Export each click as separate page
| --range
| Export specific slides
Examples
Custom output name:
npx slidev export --output my-presentation
Dark mode export:
npx slidev export --dark
Export with clicks:
npx slidev export --with-clicks
Creates separate pages for each animation step.
Specific slides:
npx slidev export --range 1,4-5,8
Exports slides 1, 4, 5, and 8.
Advanced Options
Timeout Settings
For complex slides with animations:
npx slidev export --timeout 60000
Increases timeout to 60 seconds.
Wait for Content
npx slidev export --wait 10000
Waits 10 seconds before starting export.
Page Loading Strategy
npx slidev export --wait-until networkidle
Options: none, load, domcontentloaded, networkidle
Table of Contents
npx slidev export --with-toc
Generates PDF outline with slide titles.
Transparent Background (PNG)
npx slidev export --format png --omit-background
Removes default white background.
Configuration in Frontmatter
Export Filename
---
exportFilename: my-awesome-presentation
---
Download Button
---
download: true
---
Shows download button in presentation.
Export with Source
---
download: 'https://example.com/slides.pdf'
---
Links to pre-generated PDF.
Handling Click Animations
Without --with-clicks
Only final state of each slide exported.
With --with-clicks
Each click step becomes a separate page:
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Slide 1, Click 0 → Page 1
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Slide 1, Click 1 → Page 2
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Slide 1, Click 2 → Page 3
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Slide 2, Click 0 → Page 4
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etc.
Recommended for Handouts
Use --with-clicks for handouts so readers see progression.
Export Quality
PDF Resolution
npx slidev export --scale 2
Higher scale = higher quality (and larger file).
PNG Resolution
npx slidev export --format png --scale 2
Package.json Scripts
Add convenient scripts:
{
"scripts": {
"dev": "slidev --open",
"build": "slidev build",
"export": "slidev export",
"export:pdf": "slidev export --format pdf",
"export:pptx": "slidev export --format pptx",
"export:png": "slidev export --format png",
"export:dark": "slidev export --dark"
}
}
Handling Export Issues
Fonts Not Rendering
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Use web fonts (Google Fonts)
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Or embed fonts in styles
Code Not Highlighting
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Ensure Shiki loads before export
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Use
--waitoption
Images Missing
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Use absolute URLs or
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Place in
public/directory
Animations Broken
Export doesn't include animations.
Use --with-clicks to capture states.
Timeout Errors
npx slidev export --timeout 120000 --wait 5000
Memory Issues
For large presentations:
NODE_OPTIONS="--max-old-space-size=4096" npx slidev export
Export vs Build
| Output | PDF/PPTX/PNG | Static website
| Interactive | No | Yes
| Animations | Static captures | Working
| Size | Smaller | Larger
| Sharing | Email/Drive | Web hosting
Best Practices
1. Test Export Early
Don't wait until presentation day:
npm run export
2. Review PDF Thoroughly
Check:
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All slides included
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Code readable
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Images appear
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Colors correct
3. Use Consistent Aspect Ratio
Standard is 16:9. Don't change mid-presentation.
4. Simplify for Export
Some features don't export well:
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Videos → Use screenshots
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iframes → Use screenshots
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Complex animations → Simplify
5. Include Speaker Notes in PPTX
PPTX export includes notes automatically.
6. Version Your Exports
npx slidev export --output presentation-v1.2
Export Workflow
For Conference Submission
# High-quality PDF
npx slidev export --with-toc --scale 2
For Handouts
# Include all click states
npx slidev export --with-clicks
For Social Media
# Individual images
npx slidev export --format png
For Archiving
# Multiple formats
npm run export:pdf
npm run export:pptx
npm run export:png
Output Format
When exporting:
# EXPORT COMMAND:
npx slidev export [options]
# OPTIONS USED:
--format [pdf|pptx|png|md]
--output [filename]
--with-clicks (if needed)
--dark (if needed)
--range [slide numbers]
--timeout [ms]
--wait [ms]
CHECKLIST BEFORE EXPORT:
All slides render correctly Code blocks are readable Images load properly Fonts are correct Test export command works
OUTPUT FILES:
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PDF: ./[name].pdf
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PPTX: ./[name].pptx
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PNG: ./[name]/