Vibecode Gamma
track this build5 steps, step by step0%An AI slide generator is buildable, but Gamma's strength is layouts, editing model, exports, hosting, analytics, and shareable deck/site UX.
You are building a lean indie version of Gamma. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Gamma indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Gamma workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Prompt an LLM for outline, generate slide/cards JSON, render with templates, export PDF/PPTX, and host a share page. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - polished editor - responsive card model - exports - analytics - custom domains - template quality - collaboration If those capabilities are essential, use Slidev instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me an AI slide-deck generator to replace Gamma. Requirements: - A Node CLI around Slidev. `deck new "<topic>"` asks an LLM (key in .env) for an outline, then slide-by-slide content as JSON: title, bullets, speaker notes, layout name. - Render that JSON to a Slidev slides.md; `deck preview` runs the Slidev dev server, `deck export` writes PDF and PPTX. - Five layouts: title, bullets, two-column, big-quote, image-right. Images are optional via an image API key in .env; skip them cleanly when absent. - One theme file for fonts and colors so every deck matches without redesign. - `deck redo <n>` regenerates a single slide by number and leaves the rest untouched. - Decks are files in ./decks/<slug>/ (slides.md plus assets), kept in git and hand-editable after generation. No database. - No accounts, no telemetry; the only network calls are the LLM and optional image API. - Out of scope: a web editor, share links with analytics, collaboration. slides.md in my editor is the editor. - README: keys, export commands, and how to add a layout. ## Required capabilities - LLM API - slide renderer - template system - export pipeline - hosted app - optional image API ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a lean indie version of Gamma. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Gamma indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Gamma workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Prompt an LLM for outline, generate slide/cards JSON, render with templates, export PDF/PPTX, and host a share page. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - polished editor - responsive card model - exports - analytics - custom domains - template quality - collaboration If those capabilities are essential, use Slidev instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me an AI slide-deck generator to replace Gamma. Requirements: - A Node CLI around Slidev. `deck new "<topic>"` asks an LLM (key in .env) for an outline, then slide-by-slide content as JSON: title, bullets, speaker notes, layout name. - Render that JSON to a Slidev slides.md; `deck preview` runs the Slidev dev server, `deck export` writes PDF and PPTX. - Five layouts: title, bullets, two-column, big-quote, image-right. Images are optional via an image API key in .env; skip them cleanly when absent. - One theme file for fonts and colors so every deck matches without redesign. - `deck redo <n>` regenerates a single slide by number and leaves the rest untouched. - Decks are files in ./decks/<slug>/ (slides.md plus assets), kept in git and hand-editable after generation. No database. - No accounts, no telemetry; the only network calls are the LLM and optional image API. - Out of scope: a web editor, share links with analytics, collaboration. slides.md in my editor is the editor. - README: keys, export commands, and how to add a layout. ## Required capabilities - LLM API - slide renderer - template system - export pipeline - hosted app - optional image API ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a production product version of Gamma. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== PRODUCT.md ===== # Gamma product brief ## Problem An AI slide generator is buildable, but Gamma's strength is layouts, editing model, exports, hosting, analytics, and shareable deck/site UX. ## Product outcome Prompt an LLM for outline, generate slide/cards JSON, render with templates, export PDF/PPTX, and host a share page. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - LLM API - slide renderer - template system - export pipeline - hosted app - optional image API ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - polished editor - responsive card model - exports - analytics - custom domains - template quality - collaboration ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees. ===== ARCHITECTURE.md ===== # Architecture ## Starting brief Build me an AI slide-deck generator to replace Gamma. Requirements: - A Node CLI around Slidev. `deck new "<topic>"` asks an LLM (key in .env) for an outline, then slide-by-slide content as JSON: title, bullets, speaker notes, layout name. - Render that JSON to a Slidev slides.md; `deck preview` runs the Slidev dev server, `deck export` writes PDF and PPTX. - Five layouts: title, bullets, two-column, big-quote, image-right. Images are optional via an image API key in .env; skip them cleanly when absent. - One theme file for fonts and colors so every deck matches without redesign. - `deck redo <n>` regenerates a single slide by number and leaves the rest untouched. - Decks are files in ./decks/<slug>/ (slides.md plus assets), kept in git and hand-editable after generation. No database. - No accounts, no telemetry; the only network calls are the LLM and optional image API. - Out of scope: a web editor, share links with analytics, collaboration. slides.md in my editor is the editor. - README: keys, export commands, and how to add a layout. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone. ===== MILESTONES.md ===== # Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations. ===== OPERATIONS.md ===== # Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Gamma capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
# Gamma indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Gamma workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Prompt an LLM for outline, generate slide/cards JSON, render with templates, export PDF/PPTX, and host a share page. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - polished editor - responsive card model - exports - analytics - custom domains - template quality - collaboration If those capabilities are essential, use Slidev instead of pretending the gap is solved.
# Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs".
# Build plan ## Original build brief Build me an AI slide-deck generator to replace Gamma. Requirements: - A Node CLI around Slidev. `deck new "<topic>"` asks an LLM (key in .env) for an outline, then slide-by-slide content as JSON: title, bullets, speaker notes, layout name. - Render that JSON to a Slidev slides.md; `deck preview` runs the Slidev dev server, `deck export` writes PDF and PPTX. - Five layouts: title, bullets, two-column, big-quote, image-right. Images are optional via an image API key in .env; skip them cleanly when absent. - One theme file for fonts and colors so every deck matches without redesign. - `deck redo <n>` regenerates a single slide by number and leaves the rest untouched. - Decks are files in ./decks/<slug>/ (slides.md plus assets), kept in git and hand-editable after generation. No database. - No accounts, no telemetry; the only network calls are the LLM and optional image API. - Out of scope: a web editor, share links with analytics, collaboration. slides.md in my editor is the editor. - README: keys, export commands, and how to add a layout. ## Required capabilities - LLM API - slide renderer - template system - export pipeline - hosted app - optional image API ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden.
# Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
# Gamma product brief ## Problem An AI slide generator is buildable, but Gamma's strength is layouts, editing model, exports, hosting, analytics, and shareable deck/site UX. ## Product outcome Prompt an LLM for outline, generate slide/cards JSON, render with templates, export PDF/PPTX, and host a share page. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - LLM API - slide renderer - template system - export pipeline - hosted app - optional image API ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - polished editor - responsive card model - exports - analytics - custom domains - template quality - collaboration ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees.
# Architecture ## Starting brief Build me an AI slide-deck generator to replace Gamma. Requirements: - A Node CLI around Slidev. `deck new "<topic>"` asks an LLM (key in .env) for an outline, then slide-by-slide content as JSON: title, bullets, speaker notes, layout name. - Render that JSON to a Slidev slides.md; `deck preview` runs the Slidev dev server, `deck export` writes PDF and PPTX. - Five layouts: title, bullets, two-column, big-quote, image-right. Images are optional via an image API key in .env; skip them cleanly when absent. - One theme file for fonts and colors so every deck matches without redesign. - `deck redo <n>` regenerates a single slide by number and leaves the rest untouched. - Decks are files in ./decks/<slug>/ (slides.md plus assets), kept in git and hand-editable after generation. No database. - No accounts, no telemetry; the only network calls are the LLM and optional image API. - Out of scope: a web editor, share links with analytics, collaboration. slides.md in my editor is the editor. - README: keys, export commands, and how to add a layout. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it.
# Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone.
# Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations.
# Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Gamma capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
$ choose a build depth, inspect the files, then open the complete pack in your agent · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
They pay because the output looks acceptable without wrestling with PowerPoint.
xpolished editor
xresponsive card model
xexports
xanalytics
xcustom domains
xtemplate quality
xcollaboration
Gamma pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/user | $0/user | 400 starting AI credits with no monthly refresh; 10 slides/prompt; 50,000 input tokens; 2,000-credit balance cap; +200 credits/referral. |
| plus | — | $9/user | 1,000 credits/month; 75 slides/prompt; 100,000 input tokens. |
| pro | — | $18/user | 4,000 credits/month; 75 slides/prompt; up to 10 custom domains; API access. |
| ultra | custom | — | 20,000 credits/month; 75 slides/prompt; up to 100 custom domains. |
| team | — | $20/user | 6,000 credits/seat/month; 75 slides/prompt; up to 10 custom domains; 2-seat minimum. |
| business | — | $40/user | 10,000 credits/seat/month; up to 100 custom domains; 10-seat minimum. |
| enterprise | custom | — | Annual agreement; flexible team size and custom organization-wide credits. |
free tier400 one-time starting AI credits; no automatic refresh; 10 slides/prompt; 50,000 input tokens; balance capped at 2,000 credits; +200 credits per referral
billingPlus and Pro offer monthly + annual; annual is advertised as 28% cheaper; Ultra is monthly-only; Team and Business are annual-only; Enterprise uses an annual agreement
hidden costs1,500 extra credits cost $6; multi-user auto-recharge charges separately for each user who triggers it; credits are not pooled; unused paid credits expire after the subscription ends; Team requires 2 seats and Business 10
verified 2026-08-13 · source ↗
Vibecode Gamma
Kinda. The core of Gamma is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: polished editor, responsive card model. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Gamma cost?
Gamma costs about $9/month (Plus, checked 2026-08-13), which is $108 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Gamma?
Honestly: polished editor; responsive card model; exports; analytics; custom domains; template quality; collaboration. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Gamma?
Yes: Slidev (Open-source Markdown/HTML slide deck generator; good foundation for a developer-oriented c). Using prior art is also vibecoding; the prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.