Adds an AutoShape (like RECTANGLE, OVAL, FLOWCHART_PROCESS) to a slide.
AI agents use add_shape to create or update resources in PPTX MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your PPTX MCP Server environment.
This tool creates or inserts new graphical shapes into a PowerPoint presentation. Creation of content is reversible (shapes can be deleted), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because misuse could result in unwanted modifications to presentations, but the impact is limited to adding visual elements that don't affect external systems or data integrity beyond the document itself.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Adds an AutoShape (like RECTANGLE, OVAL, FLOWCHART_PROCESS) to a slide.' The word 'Adds' indicates creation of new content.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_shape gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and PPTX MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for add_shape:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"add_shape": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "add_shape_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}add_shape 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.
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Adds an AutoShape (like RECTANGLE, OVAL, FLOWCHART_PROCESS) to a slide. It is categorised as a Write tool in the PPTX MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the PPTX MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_shape: 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 PPTX MCP Server. Nothing to install.
add_shape 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 add_shape 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 add_shape. 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.
add_shape is provided by the PPTX MCP Server MCP server (samos123/pptx-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 11 PPTX MCP Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
11 PPTX MCP Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.