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hkuds/openspace/pptx-debug-workflow

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PublishedApril 26, 2026 at 11:04 PM

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version: "1.0.1" name: pptx-debug-workflow description: Systematic debugging workflow for python-pptx presentation generation

PPTX Debugging Workflow

A systematic approach to creating and debugging PowerPoint presentations using the python-pptx library. This workflow ensures reliable presentation generation through iterative verification and error resolution.

Step 1: Verify Installation

Before writing any code, verify that python-pptx is installed:

bash

pip show python-pptx

If not installed:

bash

pip install python-pptx

Step 2: Test Minimal PPTX Creation

Create and run a minimal test script to verify the library works:

python

from pptx import Presentation
prs = Presentation()
slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
slide.shapes.title.text = "Test Slide"
prs.save("test.pptx")
print("Test presentation created successfully")

Run this first to confirm basic functionality before building complex presentations.

Step 3: Write Full Script to File

Always write your presentation script to a `.py` file instead of using heredoc or inline execution. This enables:

Better error messages with line numbers
Easier iteration and debugging
Preserved state between error fixes

Example structure:

python

from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.shapes import MSO_SHAPE
from pptx.enum.chart import XL_CHART_TYPE, XL_LEGEND_POSITION
from pptx.chart.data import CategoryChartData
def create_presentation():
    prs = Presentation()
    # Build slides here
    prs.save("output.pptx")
    print("Presentation saved successfully")
if __name__ == "__main__":
    create_presentation()

Step 4: Execute and Capture Full Traceback

Run the script with full error output:

bash

python your_script.py 2>&1 | tee debug_output.log

This captures the complete Python traceback including:

Error type and message
Line numbers where errors occurred
Stack trace for debugging

Step 5: Fix API Errors Iteratively

Common python-pptx API patterns to remember:

Chart Legend Positioning

Use XL_LEGEND_POSITION (NOT XL_CHART_TYPE) for legend positioning:

python

from pptx.enum.chart import XL_LEGEND_POSITION
chart.chart.has_legend = True
chart.chart.legend.position = XL_LEGEND_POSITION.RIGHT

Table Cell Access

Access table cells through row iteration pattern:

python

table = slide.shapes.add_table(rows=5, cols=4, left=Inches(1), top=Inches(2), width=Inches(6), height=Inches(3)).table
# Correct pattern - iterate through rows, then cells
for row_idx, row in enumerate(table.rows):
    for cell_idx, cell in enumerate(row.cells):
        cell.text = f"Row {row_idx}, Cell {cell_idx}"
# Or direct access
table.rows[0].cells[0].text = "Header"

Chart Data Format

For pie charts, use category-based data:

python

chart_data = CategoryChartData()
chart_data.categories = ['Category A', 'Category B', 'Category C']
chart_data.add_series('Series 1', (30, 45, 25))
x, y, cx, cy = Inches(2), Inches(2), Inches(6), Inches(4.5)
slide.shapes.add_chart(XL_CHART_TYPE.PIE, x, y, cx, cy, chart_data)

Step 6: Validate Output

After successful execution:

Verify the .pptx file was created
Open in PowerPoint or compatible viewer
Check that all slides, tables, and charts render correctly

Common Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Module not found	`pip install python-pptx`
AttributeError on chart	Check `XL_LEGEND_POSITION` vs `XL_CHART_TYPE`
Table cell access fails	Use `table.rows[row].cells[cell]` pattern
Chart doesn't display	Verify chart_data format matches chart type
Import errors	Check enum imports from `pptx.enum.*`

Quick Reference Script Template

python

from pptx import Presentation
from pptx.util import Inches, Pt
from pptx.enum.chart import XL_CHART_TYPE, XL_LEGEND_POSITION
from pptx.chart.data import CategoryChartData
def main():
    prs = Presentation()
    
    # Add title slide
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[0])
    slide.shapes.title.text = "Title"
    
    # Add content slide with table
    slide = prs.slides.add_slide(prs.slide_layouts[1])
    table = slide.shapes.add_table(3, 3, Inches(1), Inches(2), Inches(8), Inches(2)).table
    for row in table.rows:
        for cell in row.cells:
            cell.text = "Data"
    
    prs.save("presentation.pptx")
    print("Done!")
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

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