#CatScribe Documentation and AI Translation Handbook

CatScribe Translate is a desktop translation workspace for books, documents, and subtitles. It combines machine translation, chunk-by-chunk review, glossary control, AI-assisted refinement, quality scoring, and export workflows in one app — with local, offline-capable engines as the default choice.

CatScribe is currently in beta (the app identifies itself as "Beta (v1) · in development"). During the beta, features that are marked as Pro in the interface are unlocked free for every user.

Use these docs when you want more than a quick machine translation. CatScribe is designed for projects where consistency, context, and review matter across many pages or subtitle entries.

#Start Here

Getting Started — the app's layout, first-launch setup, and the basic workflow.
Installation — per-platform install steps, prerequisites, first run, and verification.
First Translation — a full end-to-end walkthrough with the exact screens and buttons.

#Understand The Workflow

How Translation Works — import, chunk, translate, review, refine, and export.
Auto Mode — a per-job preset that picks the engine, chunk size, and AI layers from a single quality choice (Fast / Balanced / Maximum).
Translation Engines — what each engine is good at and what it costs in RAM, disk, and time.
Simple vs Advanced Mode — the global interface toggle and the "Offline Translation" option.
Performance Guidelines — realistic expectations for large files and local hardware.

#Core Product Features

App Screens & Navigation — where everything lives: Home, Quick Translate, File Translation, Subtitle Translation, Translations, Glossaries, Providers, Settings.
CAT Editor — review and edit each translated chunk, approve work, and track versions.
Glossaries — keep names and terminology consistent across a whole book.
Improve With AI — targeted AI refinement of individual chunks using local or connected models.
Chunk Overrides — re-run a single chunk with a different engine or exact settings.
Offline Translation — running the whole workflow locally, and what still needs internet once.

#Workflow Playbooks

Translating Books — chapter-sized batches, review loops, and safe re-runs.
Maintaining Consistency — glossary strategy across long projects.
Reviewing Translations — editorial QA passes before release.
Translating Subtitles — SRT/VTT projects, timing, readability, and video export.
Working With EPUB, DOCX, and PDF — how each format behaves and which to prefer.
Editing Without Breaking Formatting — protecting tags, styles, and structure while you edit.

#AI Translation Handbook

#Help

FAQ — pricing and beta status, offline guarantees, formats and limits, engines, quality scoring, and data storage.
Troubleshooting — real app error messages, what they mean, and how to fix them.
Common Issues & Fixes — output problems: rejected files, failed chunks, formatting, glossaries, and subtitle warnings.