> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.twistly.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.twistly.ai/create-a-presentation/from-a-topic.md).

# From a Topic

Describe what you need and Twistly writes the whole presentation — structure, text, visuals.

## Two ways to start

* **Create from Topic** — type your topic first, then pick a template. The first card in the template gallery, **AI Choice**, lets the AI match a template to your topic.
* **Start from Template** — browse the templates first, then type your topic on the **Source** step. You don't have to pick one: with no template picked, the AI chooses one that fits your topic once you've written it. A template you pick this way applies to that presentation only.

## Writing a good topic prompt

A short phrase works ("Q3 marketing results"), but a sentence or two of direction gets noticeably better results. Useful ingredients:

* **Goal** — what should the presentation achieve?
* **Audience** — who is it for? ("for new employees", "for investors")
* **Emphasis** — what must be included or avoided?

> *"Onboarding presentation for new sales hires: our product line, target customers, and the first 30 days. Friendly tone, end with a checklist."*

Keep it focused — the field suggests up to about 450 characters, which is plenty for a well-aimed prompt. There's no need to specify formatting or slide-by-slide structure; the settings below handle that better.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you paste a large amount of text into the topic field, Twistly switches to **Create from Text** automatically — the right tool for ready-made content.
{% endhint %}

## Settings

* **Language** — 38 languages available. Defaults to **Auto**, which matches your prompt.
* **Number of slides** — see [Number of Slides](/create-a-presentation/number-of-slides.md).
* **Content** — how much text appears on slides: **Short** or **Detailed**.
* **Tone, presentation type, and audience** — optional menus that steer the writing style.
* **Image source and style** — see [Images in Your Presentation](/create-a-presentation/images.md).

All settings are remembered for next time.

## Cost

Free plan: 20 credits (one of your 3 free presentations). Paid plans: unlimited.

On the Free plan, 15 of the built-in templates are included. The others are Pro templates, marked with a crown — choosing one opens an upgrade offer instead of selecting it. When the AI picks the template for you on the Free plan, it picks from the included ones.