Deckcell vs think-cell
Deckcell and think-cell both turn data into consulting-style charts such as waterfalls, Mekkos and Gantt charts in PowerPoint. think-cell (written “thinkcell” on its current site) is a mature desktop add-in for Windows and Mac with on-slide editing. Deckcell also runs in PowerPoint on the web and in Google Slides, and adds layout tools, 200 slide templates and deck checks in the same pane.
Last updated 24 October 2026
At a glance
| As of 24 October 2026 | Deckcell | think-cell |
|---|---|---|
| PowerPoint for Windows | Yes | YesOffice 2013–2024 or Microsoft 365 desktop |
| PowerPoint for Mac | Yes | YesOffice 2019–2024 or Microsoft 365 desktop, macOS 11+ |
| PowerPoint on the web | Yes | NoRequires installed desktop Office |
| Google Slides | Yes | NoGoogle converts its charts to images |
| How it installs | Office add-inPlus a Google Workspace add-on | Desktop installerUnder 400 MB |
| Where you edit a chart | Side paneAdd-in APIs don’t allow on-slide handles | On the slideDrag handles and labels directly |
| Waterfall, Mekko, Gantt, Pareto, butterfly | Yes | Yes |
| Live links to Excel | YesThrough the Deckcell Excel add-in | Yes |
- think-cell user manual: Installation and updates
- think-cell KB0224: Google Slides does not properly display think-cell charts
Where Deckcell is different
Runs in the browser and in Google Slides
The same charts in PowerPoint on the web and Google Slides, so colleagues and clients outside desktop Office aren’t left out.
Layout tools in the same pane
Align, dock and stretch to a master shape, slice and multiply, matrices and the Magic Resizer.
200 slide templates
Frameworks, matrices, processes, timelines and dashboards in 16 categories, in your colours.
Deck checks
17 rules for brand, text and layout problems, with one-click fixes.
Charts as plain shapes
Deckcell draws native shapes rather than PowerPoint chart objects, which is why the same chart works in Google Slides.
Read-only links
A deck can refresh linked charts but can never change the workbook’s numbers.
Where think-cell is ahead
Worth knowing before you switch.
Editing on the slide
think-cell lets you drag labels, handles and gaps directly on the chart. Add-in platforms don’t allow that, so Deckcell edits in a side pane.
Maturity
think-cell has been the standard in many consulting firms for years, and its behaviour is well known to the people reviewing your slides.
Integrations
think-cell offers Tableau data links and a browser extension for importing images and icons. Deckcell doesn’t have these.
Switching from think-cell
Existing think-cell charts stay as they are; Deckcell doesn’t edit them. New charts are built in Deckcell from the same Excel data, pasted or linked. Most teams start with new decks and let old ones age out.
If your team shares files in Google Slides, note think-cell’s own guidance: Google converts charts to images on upload, and the think-cell functionality can’t be restored afterwards. Charts made in Deckcell inside Google Slides stay editable there.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deckcell a think-cell clone?
No. Deckcell is an independent product built from scratch. It covers many of the same chart types and works differently: in a side pane, as native shapes, in more apps.
Can Deckcell edit charts made in think-cell?
No. think-cell charts keep working in think-cell. Rebuild a chart in Deckcell by pasting the same data.
Does think-cell work in PowerPoint on the web?
think-cell’s installation guide lists installed desktop versions of Office for Windows and Mac only. Deckcell works in PowerPoint on the web.
Does think-cell work in Google Slides?
No. think-cell’s knowledge base says Google Slides converts its charts to images and the think-cell functionality can’t be restored. Deckcell runs in Google Slides directly.
Spend the evening on the story, not the formatting
Deckcell is in early access. Join the list and we’ll set you and your team up.
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