GuidesStack

Deck production stack

Separate story, slide structure, visual specification, and export hygiene.

Intermediate
Tool stack

Deck production stack

Teams producing decks from evidence, not template momentum.

Tools4 (1 required)BudgetPaid optional: Gamma, Canva, Magic Patterns. Claude can draft structure; humans own claims and rights.Workflow4 stepsLevelintermediate
Before you start
  • Basic presentation tool familiarity
  • Content or research to present
Monthly math

Stack cost calculator

Required tools from Free – $20/mo per month when every seat is on the cheapest monthly tier.

  • ClaudeoptionalFree·$20/mo
  • GammaoptionalCustom
  • Magic PatternsoptionalCustom
  • Canva BusinessrequiredCustom

Vendor annual plans, usage billing, and team seats can change the real bill. Treat this as a floor, not a quote.

Role × tool

Separate story, slide structure, visual specification, and export hygiene.

Claude

optional

Stress-test story spine and claim wording.

Free Free · Pro $20/mo · Max 5× $100/mo · Max 20× $200/mo · Team Standard $25/mo · Team Premium $125/mo · Enterprise Custom · API CustomOpen dossier →

Gamma

optional

Create a fast slide skeleton once the argument is locked.

Free Custom · Pro Custom · Enterprise CustomOpen dossier →

Magic Patterns

optional

Prototype inspectable UI-like visuals or layout options.

Free Custom · Pro Custom · Enterprise CustomOpen dossier →

Canva Business

required

Assemble final assets, alt text, and export variants.

Free Custom · Pro Custom · Enterprise CustomOpen dossier →
Run order

How the pieces fit together

  1. Lock the story spine before opening deck tools.
  2. Generate structure only, then add evidence and caveats in speaker notes.
  3. Specify visuals with source and license posture before production.
  4. Export PDF plus reuse ledger so the deck can survive handoff.
Before you ship

This stack only earns its keep when you actually follow the run order.

  • Beautiful AI slides can hide empty claims.
  • Do not flatten critical text into images.
  • Client-confidential screens and licensed brand assets need permission before AI processing.