Advanced translation

Templates.

Templates are task-specific instructions. Translation templates, OCR templates, and summary templates should stay clearly separate so one task does not accidentally inherit the wrong prompt style.

Types

Use the right template for the task.

TranslationControls how source text is rendered into the target language.
OCRControls transcription/extraction only; it should preserve text, markers, paragraphs, headings, and footnotes.
SummaryControls scan-friendly summaries, learning guides, mind maps, and action-oriented review notes.

Decision table

Which template should I use?

Default Torah translationUse for general readable translation of scans, PDFs, maamarim, sichos, letters, and essays.
Publication-grade Torah translationUse when preparing a full Reader PDF or edited output where structure, sources, and consistency matter.
Spare and warmUse when you want a restrained, faithful English register that avoids explanatory padding.
Two-pass enhancementUse on an existing draft elucidated translation when you want repair, regularization, citation cleanup, and scholarly sharpening.
Beginner, Advanced, Scholar summariesUse summary templates to match the learner level instead of changing the translation itself.

Editing

Edit templates carefully.

  • Fork built-in templates before editing so you can return to defaults.
  • Keep output schema instructions intact unless the app explicitly supports a schema change.
  • Do not put OCR instructions into a translation template.
  • Do not ask a summary template to rewrite the translation.
  • Use short, testable changes and run one page before a batch.
A template can change tone, detail, structure, and cost. It should not ask the model to invent source identity, sources, or nikud that are not present.

Advanced

Translator workbench patterns

  • Use OCR template changes when source transcription is the problem.
  • Use translation template changes when wording, register, or source preservation is the problem.
  • Use AI comparison when you want critique of an existing result, not a new default translation.
  • Use terminology tools when the issue is repeated terms, not one passage.