Question 1

What is Variant?

Accepted Answer

Variant is a presentation tool where every slide is HTML and CSS. AI coding agents like Claude Code and Codex generate decks through Variant's MCP server, and the result stays editable as code on a visual canvas.

Question 2

How do I get started with Variant?

Accepted Answer

Sign up at app.variant.art, create a deck in the editor, and connect Claude Code over MCP from Settings → MCP. The full quickstart is three steps.

Question 3

How do I connect Claude Code to Variant?

Accepted Answer

Run claude mcp add --transport http variant https://mcp.variant.art/mcp in your terminal. The first MCP request opens a browser to sign in with OAuth, after which Claude Code can call any of the MCP tools.

Question 4

Does Variant work with Codex or Cursor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Codex uses codex mcp add variant --url https://mcp.variant.art/mcp. Cursor and any other HTTP-MCP client work with the same https://mcp.variant.art/mcp endpoint.

Question 5

How many MCP tools does Variant expose?

Accepted Answer

20 tools across decks, slides, previews, selection, assets, brand, versions, and exports. Scopes range from deck:read to export:run; the full reference is at /docs/mcp-tools.

Question 6

What export formats does Variant support?

Accepted Answer

HTML, PDF, and PPTX from the editor's Export menu. Over MCP, deck.export also returns a JSON document for backups or moving decks between accounts.

Question 7

What is the Variant MCP server URL?

Accepted Answer

https://mcp.variant.art/mcp. Use HTTP transport — the server is remote, not stdio.

Question 8

Can I export a Variant deck to PowerPoint?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PPTX export is supported from both the editor's Export menu and over MCP. For most agent workflows HTML is preferable since the result stays editable; pick PPTX when the recipient expects a PowerPoint file.

Variant docs: MCP setup, tools, and exports