mdx-deck vs Slidev
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
Build slide presentations in React using MDX, with a zero-config setup.
Open source · MIT
Write presentation slides in Markdown, rendered with Vue and Vite.
The short answer
Choose mdx-deck if you need…
- Developers who already write React and want to present technical material
- Teams that keep documentation in Markdown and want slides from the same source
- People who want a zero-config starting point for a web-based deck
Choose Slidev if you need…
- Developers who want to present code, technical talks, or architecture diagrams
- People comfortable editing Markdown and who prefer version-controlled slides
- Teams that want slides stored alongside project files in a Git repository
- Anyone who wants to present from a second window or phone using presenter mode
Side-by-side
| mdx-deck | Slidev | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dev tool | Dev tool |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 11.5k | 49.3k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 4 years ago | 14 days ago |
What each one is
mdx-deck
mdx-deck is a tool for making slide presentations by writing Markdown mixed with React components (MDX). Each slide is written as content in a file, and the tool turns the file into a deck you can present in a browser. It is aimed at people who already work with React and want slides that can include live components or code.
Slidev
Slidev is an open-source tool for making presentation slides using Markdown files. You write your slides as text, and it renders them in a web browser with code highlighting, math, diagrams, and Vue components. It can export slides to PDF, PNG, or PPTX.
Best for
mdx-deck
- Developers who already write React and want to present technical material
- Teams that keep documentation in Markdown and want slides from the same source
- People who want a zero-config starting point for a web-based deck
Slidev
- Developers who want to present code, technical talks, or architecture diagrams
- People comfortable editing Markdown and who prefer version-controlled slides
- Teams that want slides stored alongside project files in a Git repository
- Anyone who wants to present from a second window or phone using presenter mode
Strengths
mdx-deck
- Uses familiar Markdown syntax together with React components
- Described as zero-config, so you can start without extensive setup
- MIT licensed and open source
Slidev
- Slides are plain Markdown files, so they work well with Git and any text editor
- Built on Vite, so changes reload quickly while editing
- Themes can be shared as npm packages and it supports a large set of icons
Not ideal for
mdx-deck
- Non-technical users who want a visual slide editor, since it requires writing code and MDX files
- People who need a finished PowerPoint or Keynote file, since output is a web presentation
- Anyone unwilling to set up a Node.js project, because the README describes a JavaScript toolchain
Slidev
- People who need a visual drag-and-drop slide editor, since Slidev is text-based (the README mentions an integrated editor, but its depth is not described here)
- Users who cannot install Node.js, since the local setup requires Node.js 22.12.0 or newer
- Those who only need simple slides and do not want to learn Markdown syntax and Vue features
Trade-offs
mdx-deck
- Requires familiarity with React and MDX, which is a barrier for non-developers
- Last code push listed as January 2023, so maintenance activity may be limited; check the repository before relying on it
- No published release is listed, so you would install from the repository source
Slidev
- Requires a Node.js development environment, which may be a barrier for non-developers
- Visual design customization relies on CSS utilities and Vue knowledge for advanced changes
- The README does not detail the export quality or limitations of each export format
Getting started
mdx-deck
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/jxnblk/mdx-deckFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between mdx-deck and Slidev?
mdx-deck: Build slide presentations in React using MDX, with a zero-config setup. Slidev: Write presentation slides in Markdown, rendered with Vue and Vite. mdx-deck suits developers who already write react and want to present technical material, while Slidev suits developers who want to present code, technical talks, or architecture diagrams.
Are mdx-deck and Slidev free?
mdx-deck: Free and open source. Slidev: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, mdx-deck or Slidev?
Slidev is easier to get started with (rated beginner); mdx-deck is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is mdx-deck or Slidev more popular?
Slidev has more GitHub stars (49.3k) than mdx-deck (11.5k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to mdx-deck and Slidev?
Other options people compare them with include Spectacle, reveal.js, Marp, VitePress, docsify.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.