Word Document Generation Skill

Overview

This skill converts Markdown files to professionally formatted Word documents using branded templates. It automatically selects the appropriate template based on project context.

Template Selection Logic

Template Location

Store your templates in a consistent location:

~/templates/                        # Or your preferred location
├── Default Template.docx           # Your standard template
└── Client A Template.docx          # Client-specific templates

Tip: Update the TEMPLATES_DIR path below to match your setup.

Template Styles (Example)

Your template should define these styles with your preferred fonts and colours.

Typography (Example)

Using with python-docx

When generating Word documents programmatically, load the template rather than creating from scratch. The template's built-in styles preserve your fonts and brand colours.

Basic Template Usage

from docx import Document
from pathlib import Path

# UPDATE THIS PATH to your templates location
TEMPLATES_DIR = Path.home() / "templates"

def get_template(project_path=None):
    """Return appropriate template path based on project context."""
    # Add your own logic here to select client-specific templates
    # Example: check for client name in project path
    return TEMPLATES_DIR / "Default Template.docx"

# Load template
template_path = get_template()
doc = Document(template_path)

# Clear existing content (template may have placeholder text)
doc._body.clear_content()

Applying Styles

When using the template, apply styles by name. The template defines these styles with correct fonts and colours.

# Title (uses template's Title style)
doc.add_heading('Document Title', level=0)

# Heading 1
doc.add_heading('I. Executive Summary', level=1)

# Heading 2
doc.add_heading('A. Key Findings', level=2)

# Heading 3
doc.add_heading('1. First Finding', level=3)

# Normal body text
doc.add_paragraph('Body text uses the Normal style.')

Important Notes

1. •Always load the template — don't create Document() without arguments
2. •Clear content before adding — templates may have placeholder text
3. •Use level=0 for title — this applies the Title style
4. •Styles are pre-defined — no need to manually set fonts or colours

Using with pandoc

For Markdown to Word conversion, use pandoc with the --reference-doc flag:

pandoc input.md -o output.docx \
  --reference-doc="~/templates/Default Template.docx"

This preserves template styles for headings, body text, and other elements.

Client-Specific Templates

For client projects with specific branding requirements:

1. •Create a separate template with the client's fonts and colours
2. •Store in your templates directory
3. •Update get_template() logic to detect and select the right template

Consider creating a separate skill (e.g., client-docx) with detailed brand guidelines if a client has complex requirements.

File Naming

When creating deliverables, use professional naming:

• •Use proper capitalisation with spaces
• •Include date in brackets at the end
• •Format: Descriptive Name (21st Jan 2026).docx

Example: Q1 Sales Report (21st Jan 2026).docx

Dependencies

• •python-docx: pip install python-docx — for programmatic generation
• •pandoc: brew install pandoc — for Markdown conversion