Sketchcast

Install it in three steps

Takes about two minutes. You only do it once, on the Claude website or desktop app, and then the skill works everywhere you use Claude.

Get the ZIP first. Don't unzip it: Claude wants the file as it is.

Download, 11 MB Lite version, 125 KB, if the bigger upload is refused
A blueprint-style frame half drawn by the marker

Set up Claude

  1. Turn on code execution

    Skills need it to run. In Claude, open Settings, then Capabilities, and switch on "Code execution and file creation". In the newer layout it's called "Create and edit files".

    Settings›Capabilities›Code execution

  2. Upload the skill

    Go to Customize, then Skills. Click the + button, choose "Create skill", then "Upload a skill", and pick the ZIP you downloaded.

    Customize›Skills›+›Upload a skill

  3. Check it's switched on

    Sketchcast now shows in your skills list. Make sure its toggle is on. On a Team or Enterprise plan, if you can't upload, ask your Claude owner to allow skills.

    Skills›Sketchcast›On

Make your first video

Start a new chat, attach your file with the + button, and ask in plain words. These work well; tap Copy and paste one in.

First scene from a deck, made from this promptTurn this PowerPoint into a whiteboard video, one scene per slide, using my speaker notes.
Attach a .pptx
A chalkboard scene, made from this promptMake a 1-minute explainer video from this PDF for new staff. Use the chalkboard look.
Attach a PDF
A vertical Reels scene, made from this promptMake a vertical video for Instagram Reels from this document. Keep it under 45 seconds.
Any file
A PDF page being revealed, made from this promptUse my actual PDF pages in the video and explain each one.
Attach a PDF

If something goes wrong

I can't find Skills

Turn on code execution first (step one). Skills only appear once it's on.

The upload is refused

Use the lite version. It's tiny and fetches the voice the first time you make a video.

Claude didn't use the skill

Mention it by name: "Use the Sketchcast skill to turn this into a video."

My .ppt or .doc won't open

Those are old formats. Save the file as .pptx, .docx or PDF and attach it again.

The video has no voice

The voice speaks English. For other languages you get captions only. In English, ask Claude to set the voice to "joe".

I want my slide design

Save your deck as PDF, attach it, and ask Claude to use your actual pages.