Claude Code or Codex creates slides through MCP.
Edit the exact HTML and CSS on a visual canvas.
Ship HTML, PDF, or PPTX when the deck is ready.
#The main difference
Gamma optimizes for quick generation and a hosted document experience. Variant optimizes for editable slide code, visual refinement, and agent workflows through MCP.
That difference matters when the second draft is more important than the first draft.
#Choose Gamma when
You want a fast generated narrative, you don't need source-level control, and the final format can live inside Gamma's product experience.
#Choose Variant when
You want Claude Code or Codex, using cutting-edge models, to create slides. Then you want to edit the exact HTML and CSS on a visual canvas.
| Need | Variant | Gamma |
|---|---|---|
| Agent workflow | MCP tools for Claude Code and Codex | AI generation inside Gamma |
| Slide format | HTML and CSS | Product-managed document format |
| Precise edits | Canvas edits plus code edits | Mostly product UI edits |
| Portable export | Single HTML file, plus PDF, PPTX | Export options vary by workflow |
#Common questions
Is Variant an alternative to Gamma?
It can be, if your priority is editable HTML slides and agent-driven workflows. If you mainly want a hosted AI document, Gamma may still fit.
Why would a developer pick Variant?
Because the deck is code. Claude Code or Codex can make structured changes, and you can still polish the result visually.