Writing Slides

Learn the fundamentals of authoring presentations in Tap. This guide covers frontmatter configuration, slide structure, markdown syntax, local directives, and speaker notes.

Frontmatter Basics

Every Tap presentation begins with YAML frontmatter enclosed in triple dashes. This defines global settings that apply to your entire presentation.

---
title: My Presentation
theme: minimal
author: Jane Developer
date: 2024-01-15
---

Common Frontmatter Options

Option	Type	Description
title	string	The presentation title (shown in browser tab)
theme	string	Visual theme: minimal, gradient, terminal, brutalist, keynote
author	string	Author name for metadata
date	string	Presentation date
aspectRatio	string	Slide aspect ratio (default: 16/9)
transition	string	Default slide transition: none, fade, slide, push, zoom

See Frontmatter Options for the complete reference.

Slide Separators

Separate individual slides using three dashes (---) on their own line. Leave blank lines before and after the separator for clarity:

---
title: My Talk
theme: minimal
---

# Welcome

This is the first slide.

---

# Agenda

This is the second slide.

---

# Deep Dive

This is the third slide.

TIP

The first --- block is frontmatter, not a slide separator. Your first slide content comes after the closing frontmatter dashes.

Markdown Syntax

Tap supports standard markdown syntax with some presentation-focused enhancements.

Headings

Use headings to structure your slides:

# Main Title (H1)

## Section Title (H2)

### Subsection (H3)

Text Formatting

**Bold text** for emphasis

*Italic text* for subtle emphasis

`inline code` for technical terms

~~Strikethrough~~ for corrections

Lists

Both ordered and unordered lists are supported:

- First bullet point
- Second bullet point
  - Nested item
  - Another nested item
- Third bullet point

1. First numbered item
2. Second numbered item
3. Third numbered item

Links and Images

[Link text](https://example.com)

![Alt text](./images/diagram.png)

See Images & Media for advanced image options.

Code Blocks

Fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting:

```javascript
function greet(name) {
  return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
```

See Code Blocks for line highlighting, diffs, and multi-step reveals.

Blockquotes

> "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
> — Alan Kay

Tables

| Feature | Supported |
|---------|-----------|
| Markdown | Yes |
| Live Code | Yes |
| Themes | Yes |

Local Directives

Override global settings for individual slides using local directives. These are YAML blocks inside HTML comments, placed at the start of a slide:

---

<!--
layout: two-column
transition: fade
-->

# This Slide Uses Two Columns

Content here will use the two-column layout with a fade transition.

Available Directives

Directive	Description
layout	Slide layout (e.g., title, two-column, code-focus)
transition	Transition for this slide (overrides global)
background	Background color or image
fragments	Enable incremental reveals (true/false)
notes	Speaker notes (alternative to <!-- notes: --> syntax)

See Slide Directives for the complete reference.

Example: Mixed Layouts

---
title: Product Launch
theme: gradient
---

<!--
layout: title
-->

# Introducing Our Product

The future of developer tools

---

<!--
layout: two-column
-->

# Key Features

::left::

- Fast and efficient
- Easy to use
- Well documented

::right::

- Open source
- Cross-platform
- Extensible

---

<!--
layout: code-focus
-->

# Quick Start

```bash
npm install awesome-tool

---

10x

Faster than the competition

## Speaker Notes

Add notes visible only in presenter mode using the special `notes` syntax. These won't appear on your slides but will be visible when you're presenting.

### Inline Notes

Add notes at the end of a slide using an HTML comment:

```markdown
---

# Quarterly Results

Revenue increased by 25% this quarter.

<!-- notes:
- Mention the new product line contribution
- Highlight international expansion
- Q&A: Be prepared for margin questions
-->

Notes in Directives

Alternatively, include notes in your slide directive block:

---

<!--
layout: big-stat
notes: |
  Pause for effect here.
  Let the number sink in before continuing.
-->

# 1 Million

Active users reached this milestone

Viewing Notes

Speaker notes appear in presenter mode. Start your presentation and press S or navigate to /presenter to open the presenter view with:

• Current slide
• Next slide preview
• Speaker notes
• Presentation timer

See Presenter Mode for more details.

Best Practices

Keep Slides Focused

Each slide should convey one main idea. If you find yourself cramming content, split it into multiple slides.

Use Consistent Structure

Maintain a predictable rhythm:

• Title slide
• Agenda/overview
• Content sections
• Summary/call to action

Leverage Layouts

Don't default to plain slides. Use layouts like two-column, quote, and big-stat to add visual variety.

Write Notes Liberally

Even if you know your content well, speaker notes help you:

• Stay on track during nerves
• Remember specific data points
• Hand off presentations to colleagues

Next Steps

• Layouts - Explore all available slide layouts
• Themes - Customize your presentation's appearance
• Animations & Transitions - Add motion to your slides
• Code Blocks - Advanced code presentation features