Creating Technical Presentations With Vim

In this video, I want to share with you my process for creating presentations using only a text editor. I often get asked how I create slides that look like ASCII art or like I'm using an editor. The truth is, it's all about using the right settings and a bit of creativity.

Embracing Minimalism

One of the reasons I use a plain text setup for presentations is because I'm lazy. I believe in the power of simplicity and plain text is the most basic and straightforward way to write slides. I'm not a big fan of flashy WYSIWYG editors – for me, plain text is where it's at.

Creating ASCII Art Slides

To create ASCII art slides, I use command-line programs like toilet. These programs allow me to generate ASCII art from simple input. With different fonts and styles available, I can get creative and use shortcuts to easily include ASCII art in my slides. By using specific Unicode characters and simple Vim movements, I can draw diagrams and shapes to visually represent my ideas.

Transitioning Between Slides

To smoothly transition between slides, I use Vim's buffer feature. Each slide is loaded as a file buffer in Vim, and I can easily switch between buffers using keystrokes. By mapping these keystrokes to the left and right arrows, I can seamlessly navigate through my slides without any distractions. This enables me to focus on delivering my presentation without being interrupted by status bars or other elements.

Adding Custom Scripts and Automation

One of the benefits of using a plain text setup is the flexibility it offers for custom scripting and automation. By adding custom commands and scripts, I can enhance my presentations by opening pictures or starting videos with a single keystroke. This level of automation allows me to smoothly transition between different elements of my presentation without any hiccups.

Adding Colors and Syntax Highlighting

Although plain text may seem dull at first, I can also include colors and syntax highlighting in my slides. By including syntax files and creating custom syntax highlighting rules, I can highlight specific words or lines in my slides. While not as visually impressive as traditional presentations, this allows me to emphasize key points and make my slides more engaging.

Conclusion

Creating presentations using only a text editor may not be the most glamorous approach, but it offers simplicity, flexibility, and a focus on content. By embracing plain text, using ASCII art, custom scripting, and minimalistic design, I can create unique and memorable presentations that captivate my audience. So, embrace the power of plain text and let your creativity flow in your next presentation.

*[Vim]: Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing.