Generate from documents

Use file-based generation when a presentation must follow an existing report, proposal, brief, spreadsheet, or other source. The API workflow has two requests: upload the files, then pass the returned values to presentation generation.

Supported source formats

The upload workflow supports PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, CSV, plain text, Markdown, HTML, and AsciiDoc files. See Create from documents for the complete extension list and recommended uses.

1. Upload the source files

Send one or more files as multipart form data to POST /files/upload:

curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.presenton.ai/api/v3/files/upload \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  --form "files=@./quarterly-report.pdf" \
  --form "files=@./customer-metrics.xlsx"

The response is an array of file values:

[
  "uploaded-file-value-1",
  "uploaded-file-value-2"
]

Treat each returned string as opaque. Preserve it exactly and pass it back in the files array; do not construct or modify file values in your application.

2. Generate the presentation

Use the uploaded values in a synchronous or asynchronous generation request. Add content or instructions to explain which parts of the sources matter most.

curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.presenton.ai/api/v3/presentation/generate \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  --header "Content-Type: application/json" \
  --data '{
    "files": [
      "uploaded-file-value-1",
      "uploaded-file-value-2"
    ],
    "content": "Create an executive quarterly review from the attached report and metrics workbook",
    "instructions": "Prioritize revenue, retention, major risks, and next-quarter actions. Preserve reported figures exactly.",
    "n_slides": 8,
    "language": "English",
    "tone": "professional",
    "content_generation": "condense",
    "standard_template": "neo-modern",
    "export_as": "pptx"
  }'

Choose how source content is handled

The content_generation field controls how aggressively Presenton changes the source material:

Value	Use it when
`preserve`	Wording and source structure should remain close to the original
`enhance`	Presenton may add explanation or improve how the material is presented
`condense`	A long source must become a shorter presentation

Whatever mode you choose, verify all important facts and calculations against the source.

Review the outline first

For sensitive or complex material, send the same files, content, and controls to POST /presentation/outlines/generate. The response is a slide-by-slide array of outline strings. Review those strings before passing them to slides in the final generation request. This two-stage approach is useful when:

An approver must confirm the story before design and export.
Several documents contain overlapping information.
The deck must follow a fixed narrative or decision sequence.
You need to remove confidential or irrelevant outline sections before generation.

Use asynchronous generation for larger jobs

Change the endpoint to POST /presentation/generate/async when file processing and presentation generation should run in the background. Store the returned task identifier and follow Generate asynchronously.

Production checklist

Validate file extensions and sizes before upload so users receive immediate feedback.
Sanitize filenames in your own logs and interfaces.
Do not send confidential sources unless your organization has approved the workflow.
Keep uploaded file values associated with the correct user and job.
Set timeouts independently for upload and presentation generation.
Verify names, dates, figures, charts, and tables in the final deck.
Remove local temporary copies according to your application’s retention policy.

Document tutorial

See the equivalent upload, outline, and review workflow in the Presenton Cloud interface.

Get started

Learn the basics

Features

Tutorials

Business automation

API guides

Supported source formats

1. Upload the source files

2. Generate the presentation

Choose how source content is handled

Review the outline first

Use asynchronous generation for larger jobs

Production checklist

Document tutorial

​Supported source formats

​1. Upload the source files

​2. Generate the presentation

​Choose how source content is handled

​Review the outline first

​Use asynchronous generation for larger jobs

​Production checklist

Document tutorial

Supported source formats

1. Upload the source files

2. Generate the presentation

Choose how source content is handled

Review the outline first

Use asynchronous generation for larger jobs

Production checklist