Decktype vs Gamma: Local File Workflow or All-in-One Web App?
A current, sourced comparison between Decktype’s local .deck workflow and Gamma’s browser-based creation suite.
Decktype and Gamma can both help create a presentation, but they place the source of truth in different locations. Gamma centers the browser and its hosted workspace. Decktype centers a local .deck file and a native macOS editor.
This comparison was checked on July 15, 2026 against Gamma’s public pricing page. Gamma may change its plans. Decktype is our product, so treat the architectural details below as primary product documentation rather than an independent review.
What Gamma offers today
Gamma provides an all-in-one web flow: prompt, edit, publish and share without installing a desktop editor. Its current free plan lists:
- up to 10 cards per prompt;
- presentations, documents, websites, social content and images;
- PDF and PPTX import;
- PDF, PPTX, PNG and Google Slides export.
Paid tiers increase cards per prompt, AI model access, branding, analytics, sharing, domains and API access. This is a strong fit when browser availability and quick publishing matter more than a local source file.
What Decktype offers today
Decktype is a native macOS editor built around the open .deck format. The free application can edit, present and export PDF/PNG. It works without a Decktype account for local use.
An external agent can compose into structured template slots. Manual changes are stored as explicit overrides so later agent passes can update linked content without rebuilding the whole slide. Decktype does not include an AI provider in the current free offer: you choose the agent, account and model workflow.
The planned Pro offer includes PowerPoint export and unlimited brand kits, but it is not yet on sale. The current pricing CTA only opens an email request.
Side-by-side workflow
| Decision | Decktype | Gamma |
|---|---|---|
| Authoritative source | Local .deck file |
Hosted Gamma content |
| Editing surface | Native macOS app | Browser |
| AI provider | Chosen by the user | Integrated by Gamma |
| AI usage limits | Decktype adds no generation counter; provider limits still apply | Usage and card limits depend on Gamma’s plan |
| Current free output | PDF and PNG | PDF, PPTX, PNG and Google Slides listed |
| Live web collaboration | Not the current product model | Sharing and collaboration are built in |
| Offline/local boundary | File and editor are local | Primary workflow is cloud-hosted |
Privacy: follow the actual data path
With Decktype, the .deck file is not automatically uploaded to Kairia. If you send a brief to Claude, OpenAI or another service, that service receives it under its own terms. With Gamma, the presentation workflow runs through Gamma’s hosted service. Neither description alone proves suitability for an NDA; assess the complete provider, account and retention chain.
Read the Decktype security boundary for the product-specific details.
Which workflow should you test?
Choose Gamma for a web-first all-in-one experience, integrated generation and easy publishing. Choose Decktype when a local file, native editing and an external-agent workflow are the priorities.
The safest evaluation is one representative deck. Check fonts, charts, manual edits, sharing and the exact file the client must receive. Then compare current pricing, not an old screenshot or review.
To evaluate Decktype’s side of the decision, download the current signed macOS build.