Marp CLI
Command-line tool that turns Marp Markdown into HTML, PDF, PowerPoint and image slide decks.
Marp CLI converts Markdown decks to HTML, PDF, PPTX and PNG from one command.
Marp CLI is the command-line converter for the Marp Markdown presentation ecosystem. It suits anyone who already writes in Markdown and wants a deck as a plain text file that exports to PDF, PowerPoint or web slides.
What it is
You write a deck in Markdown, split slides with a horizontal rule, and run one command to get HTML, PDF, PPTX, PNG/JPEG images or a text file of presenter notes. It also has watch mode, a built-in server that converts on request, and a preview window.
Who it's for
It suits developers, writers and researchers who keep slides in Git and want repeatable exports. It does not suit people who want to drag shapes around a canvas, and the default PPTX is made of rendered images rather than editable text.
Key features
Multiple export formats
Converts one Markdown file into HTML, PDF, PowerPoint, PNG/JPEG images or a presenter-notes text file.
PDF with notes and outlines
The --pdf-notes and --pdf-outlines options add note annotations and bookmarks built from slides and headings.
Watch mode
With --watch it re-converts when the Markdown or theme CSS changes and refreshes the opened HTML page.
On-demand server mode
Serve a folder and request deck-a.md?pdf in a browser to get a converted PDF returned by HTTP.
Presenter notes export
Marpit presenter notes can be exported to a text file or placed inside the PPTX.
Standalone binaries
Linux, macOS and Windows binaries bundle Node.js, so you do not need to install it separately.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- One Markdown source gives you HTML, PDF, PPTX and images, so a deck lives in Git as plain text.
- Watch mode and a conversion server make it easy to rebuild decks in a pipeline or preview them live.
- You can run it with a single npx command, or from an official Docker image, without a permanent install.
- Image export of the title slide can produce an Open Graph image for the same deck.
Where it falls short
- PDF, PPTX and image export need Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox installed on the machine.
- The standard PPTX contains pre-rendered background images, so text cannot be edited in PowerPoint.
- The editable PPTX option is marked experimental, needs LibreOffice Impress, and drops presenter notes.
- Browser-based conversion blocks local files by default; --allow-local-files is needed and carries a security warning.
Pricing & license
Marp CLI is free under the MIT license. Neither the repository nor marp.app shows a paid or hosted plan, so the only cost is running it yourself.
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Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Do I need to install Node.js?
Not if you use the standalone Linux, macOS or Windows binaries or the Docker image; npx needs Node.js v18 or later.
Can I edit the exported PowerPoint file?
Only partly. The default PPTX is rendered images; the experimental --pptx-editable option exists but needs LibreOffice Impress and may fail with complex themes.
Is there a paid plan?
The README and marp.app show none; the tool is an MIT-licensed command-line program.
