Presentations as source code


Creating presentations doesn’t have to mean wrestling with clunky, proprietary software. By treating presentation development like source code, I discovered a streamlined, flexible workflow using Markdown (MD) filesVisual Studio Code, and MARP to generate sleek HTML slides—all while maintaining full control over styling with custom CSS.

Why Markdown?

Markdown’s simplicity allows for fast content structuring with headings, lists, and code blocks. By organizing slides into separate files and leveraging VS Code’s folding/unfolding features, I could easily navigate and reorganize content—just like managing a codebase.

MARP: The Magic Converter

MARP transformed my MD files into a responsive HTML presentation with minimal effort. With support for themes, transitions, and speaker notes, it felt like a developer-friendly alternative to PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Custom CSS for Perfect Styling

Since MARP supports CSS overrides, I fine-tuned every visual detail—fonts, colors, and layouts—without leaving my coding environment. The result? A clean, consistent, and branded presentation that felt uniquely mine.

The Verdict

This workflow combines the efficiency of plain text with the power of modern tooling. If you love Markdown and want presentations that are version-controllable, lightweight, and highly customizable, give MARP a try!