Marp CLI

The official CLI for the Marp Markdown presentation ecosystem — write slides in Markdown and convert to HTML, PDF, PPTX, or images.

Open source alternative to:

What is Marp CLI?

Marp CLI is the command-line interface for the Marp (Markdown Presentation Ecosystem) project. You write your slide deck in plain Markdown with Marpit's directives, and Marp CLI converts it to HTML, PDF, PPTX, PNG, or JPEG — perfect for sharing on the web, printing, or importing into PowerPoint.

Key features

Plain Markdown authoring with a simple --- separator between slides
Local front-matter and global directives to control theming, pagination, sizing, and more
Built-in and custom CSS themes — including the official default and gaia themes
Math typesetting via KaTeX, plus Mermaid diagrams, emoji shortcodes, and syntax highlighting via Prism
Multiple output formats — HTML (with web UI), PDF, PPTX, PNG, JPEG
Watch mode for live preview while authoring
Plugin system to extend directives, themes, and output formats
Bundled VS Code extension for in-editor preview and export

Why Marp?

Marp is one of the original and most widely used Markdown slide tools, with a stable CLI, a thoughtful ecosystem of themes, and bindings for React and Vue if you want to embed slides in a web app. If you want to write your talk in Markdown and ship it anywhere — Markdown source in Git, HTML on the web, PDF for handouts, PPTX for stakeholders — Marp CLI is the most batteries-included option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What output formats can Marp CLI produce from Markdown?

Marp CLI converts a Markdown slide deck into HTML, PDF, PPTX, PNG, and JPEG, so you can publish to the web, print handouts, or hand a PowerPoint file to stakeholders. The HTML output includes a web UI, and the PDF and PPTX paths are built in without extra services. This write-once, ship-anywhere workflow is why Marp is popular for developer talks and documentation.

How do I write slides with Marp?

You write plain Markdown and separate slides with a --- line, while Marpit directives in front matter or per-slide control theming, sizing, pagination, and more. Marp CLI ships with the official default and gaia themes and supports custom CSS themes. It also renders math via KaTeX, Mermaid diagrams, emoji shortcodes, and Prism syntax highlighting.

Can Marp be extended or used in an editor or CI pipeline?

Yes. Marp has a plugin system for extending directives, themes, and output formats, plus a bundled VS Code extension for in-editor preview and export. The CLI offers a watch mode for live preview while writing, and being a command-line tool it fits naturally into build pipelines. There are also React and Vue bindings if you want to embed slides in a web app.

Visit Marp CLI

License

MIT

Self hostable