Change the master slide layout of an existing slide (use keynote_list_master_slides to see available layouts)
AI agents use keynote_set_slide_layout to create or update resources in Iwork — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Iwork environment.
This tool modifies presentation metadata (slide layout) reversibly. While it affects document structure, the change can be undone and doesn't execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money. It fits the Write category: creates or modifies data reversibly. Severity is medium because misuse could disrupt presentation formatting across multiple slides, but changes are non-destructive and recoverable.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Change the master slide layout of an existing slide' - 'change' is a modification operation that alters presentation structure reversibly.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access keynote_set_slide_layout gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Iwork, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for keynote_set_slide_layout:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"keynote_set_slide_layout": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "keynote_set_slide_layout_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}keynote_set_slide_layout stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
Free to start. No card required.
Change the master slide layout of an existing slide (use keynote_list_master_slides to see available layouts). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Iwork MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Iwork MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for keynote_set_slide_layout: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Iwork. Nothing to install.
keynote_set_slide_layout is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the keynote_set_slide_layout rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for keynote_set_slide_layout. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
keynote_set_slide_layout is provided by the Iwork MCP server (reichenbach/iwork_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Iwork, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
114 Iwork tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.