#FAQ
#Where should I start as a new user?
Start with Getting Started, then run the sample workflow in First Translation. Use a short file first so you can check quality, formatting, and performance before translating a large project.
#What is CatScribe best for?
CatScribe is best for translation projects that need review and consistency: books, long documents, subtitle files, and repeated terminology. It is designed for workflows where you translate, edit, refine, and export rather than translating a single sentence once.
#How is CatScribe different from a simple web translator?
A simple web translator is useful for quick snippets. CatScribe adds project workflow: chunking, glossary control, segment review, AI refinement, offline-first options, and export checks.
#Can I run CatScribe Translate without internet?
Yes, when your local setup has the required engines or models available. See Offline Translation for the recommended workflow.
#Why is my translation quality inconsistent?
Inconsistent terminology and missing glossary constraints are common causes. Add terms in Glossaries, review affected segments, and re-run only the sections that need correction.
#How do I improve translation quality quickly?
Use CAT Editor review loops, apply glossary updates, and refine weak chunks instead of retranslating the whole project. See Improve With AI for safe refinement guidance.
#What should I do when a segment is mistranslated?
Correct the segment in the CAT Editor. If the issue is a recurring term, add a glossary entry. If the full segment needs exact approved wording, use Chunk Overrides.
#How can I optimize performance on large projects?
- Process in chapter-sized batches.
- Avoid unnecessary full-project re-runs.
- Use lighter settings for the first pass.
- Refine selected sections after review.
- Read Performance Guidelines.
#Why do PDFs sometimes behave differently?
PDF files often preserve visual layout instead of clean reading order. Columns, headers, footnotes, and scanned pages can affect extraction and formatting. If available, EPUB or DOCX may provide a cleaner translation source.
#Where can I fix formatting or merged words?
Start with Common Issues & Fixes and Editing Without Breaking Formatting.