sent
sent: A minimal X11 presentation tool for simple slides authored as plain text. Ranked #92 of 93 in Presentation Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users presenting simple plain-text slides.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users presenting simple plain-text slides
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- AI assistanceNo
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Defines slides as paragraphs in plain-text files
- Automatically scales content to fit the presentation window
- Displays image slides and supports UTF-8 text
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Linux (X11)
- No animation, rich text styling, or advanced layouts
- Requires a source build with Xlib and Xft
Our verdict on sent
sent takes a deliberately minimal approach to presentation software: each paragraph in a plain-text file becomes a slide. It is aimed at Linux users who want to present straightforward text without learning a dedicated slide-authoring format or working with complex layouts. The program runs as a desktop X11 application, supports UTF-8 text, and provides basic arrow-key navigation. Its narrow scope suits simple talks, but not presentations that depend on visual polish or varied content design.
The authoring model is the main distinction. Content stays in plain-text files, and sent automatically scales slide content to fit its presentation window. It can also display image slides and read presentation content from standard input. For image use, the vendor recommends farbfeld tools. These capabilities support a compact workflow, though they do not amount to a general-purpose slide editor: sent has no animation, rich text styles, or advanced layout options. It also has no built-in export function, so it is a poor fit for workflows that need exported slide files or a conventional deck format.
sent is open source and has a free plan. The program is built from source and requires Xlib and Xft, which makes setup more technical than using a packaged, graphical slide-authoring application. The listed platform is Linux, with the vendor describing the application as X11-based. Choose sent if plain-text authoring, automatic scaling, and simple keyboard navigation are enough for your presentation needs. Choose another tool if you need richer formatting, animation, advanced layouts, or a built-in export workflow.
Your product? Our editors can test sent in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
sent pricing
sent fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| AI assistance | No |
| Real-time collaboration | No |
| PowerPoint import | No |
| PowerPoint export | No |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Presenter mode | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Linux (X11) |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | tools.suckless.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to sent
- Microsoft PowerPointA broad presentation workspace spanning web, desktop, mobile, collaboration, AI, and rehearsal tools.9.4
- Apple KeynoteA polished free presentation tool for Apple ecosystem users, with optional AI features.9.1
- Zoho ShowA capable free option for teams that need collaboration, offline work, and PPTX support.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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