Self-Hosted / Projects / reveal.js

reveal.js
StableSpecs verified October 10, 2026 · against v6.0.2
Overview
Open-source HTML presentation framework for interactive slide decks.
reveal.js is an open-source HTML presentation framework for creating interactive slide decks that run in a browser. It is a practical self-hosted alternative to cloud-first presentation tools when you are comfortable authoring HTML, Markdown, or JavaScript.
Why people choose reveal.js
The search intent is usually HTML presentations, Markdown slides, or a self-hosted PowerPoint and Google Slides alternative. reveal.js gives developers control over the source, theme, deployment, and interactive behavior instead of locking a deck into a hosted editor.
What is included
The official site documents nested slides, Markdown, fragments, transitions, auto-animate, touch support, speaker view, PDF export, LaTeX, syntax-highlighted code, themes, plugins, and an extensive API. Slides.com is a separate visual editor and hosting platform from the same creator, not the same as the open-source framework.
Requirements and tradeoffs
The basic setup only needs a browser and downloaded files, while the full development setup uses Node.js and npm. A local web server is needed for some features such as external Markdown. You own hosting and backups, but you also need to manage HTML, assets, browser compatibility, and any build or deployment pipeline.
Best fit
Choose reveal.js for developer talks, documentation, technical training, and presentations that benefit from code, web embeds, or version control. A visual editor is easier for non-technical authors, while a hosted slide service handles collaboration and publishing for you.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the reveal.js interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| HTML-based interactive slide decksThe official project describes reveal.js as an HTML presentation framework. | Supported |
| Markdown authoringOfficial documentation includes inline and external Markdown support. | Supported |
| Nested slides and fragmentsVertical slides and step-by-step fragments are core documented features. | Supported |
| Themes, transitions, and animationsThe framework includes themes, transition styles, and Auto-Animate support. | Supported |
| Syntax-highlighted code and LaTeXThe official feature list includes code highlighting and LaTeX typesetting. | Supported |
| Speaker view and notesSpeaker view provides notes, a timer, and an upcoming-slide preview. | Supported |
| PDF exportPDF export is documented as an official feature. | Supported |
| Visual collaborative editorSlides.com provides a separate visual editor; reveal.js itself is a framework and does not equal a hosted collaborative editor. | Partial support |
Community signals
- Stars
- 72.4k
- Forks
- 17k
- Open issues
- 924
- Last commit
- 2w ago
- Latest release
- 6.0.2
- Repo created
- Jun 2011
Includes open pull requests
1mo ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is reveal.js used for?
reveal.js is used to create browser-based interactive presentations with HTML, Markdown, JavaScript, animations, code, and speaker notes.
Is reveal.js a self-hosted PowerPoint alternative?
It can replace the delivery and authoring workflow for many technical presentations, but it is a code-oriented framework rather than a full visual office suite.
Can reveal.js use Markdown?
Yes. The official documentation supports inline or external Markdown, including a plugin for Markdown slides.
Does reveal.js need Node.js?
Not for the basic setup: the official guide says you can download the files and open a presentation in a browser. The full development setup uses Node.js and npm.
Can reveal.js export presentations to PDF?
Yes. PDF export is listed among the official framework features, with browser and setup requirements documented separately.
Does reveal.js support speaker notes?
Yes. Speaker view includes notes, a timer, and a preview of the upcoming slide.
Is reveal.js the same as Slides.com?
No. reveal.js is the open-source presentation framework, while Slides.com is a separate visual editor and hosting platform built by the same creator.
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