#Getting Started
This guide explains the shortest path from installation to a reviewed first translation.
CatScribe works best when you treat translation as a workflow, not a single button. The basic flow is:
Import -> Chunk -> Translate -> Review -> Refine -> Export
#Before You Begin
Prepare:
- A source file such as an EPUB, DOCX, PDF, SRT, or VTT file.
- The source language and target language.
- A small sample section for your first test.
- Optional glossary terms for names, places, titles, or technical vocabulary.
For your first run, start with a short chapter, a few pages, or a small subtitle file. This lets you confirm quality and formatting before processing a large project.
#First-Time Setup
- Install CatScribe Translate by following Installation.
- Launch the app.
- Choose your source and target languages.
- Use Auto Mode if you want CatScribe to choose practical starter settings.
- Import a small file or section.
- Run the translation.
- Review the result in the CAT Editor.
- Export a sample and confirm the output opens correctly.
#Mental Model
CatScribe is closer to a translation workstation than a simple web translator. It helps you:
- Break long content into reviewable chunks.
- Keep terminology consistent with glossaries.
- Fix individual segments without retranslating the whole project.
- Refine rough output with AI while keeping human review in control.
- Work offline or locally when your setup supports it.
#Improve Early Quality
- Add key names and fixed terms in Glossaries.
- Translate chapter-sized batches instead of the whole book at once.
- Use CAT Editor to compare source and target text.
- Use Improve With AI for awkward but salvageable segments.
- Re-run only affected chunks after glossary or editing changes.
#What Next
- Continue with First Translation.
- Learn the high-level flow in How Translation Works.
- Learn engine options in Translation Engines.
- Review large-file guidance in Performance Guidelines.