Template Mode

Template Mode is one of the three command execution modes. Unlike Combination and Standalone modes, a Template command is never run through an AI model inside Rephlo — instead, its instruction is copied straight to your clipboard so you can paste it into an external AI tool like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

What is Template Mode?

A Template command stores a complete, self-contained prompt. There is no input-text capture, no Space data injection, and no model call. When you "use" a Template command, Rephlo simply copies the instruction text to your clipboard and shows a confirmation.

This makes Template Mode ideal for prompts you want to keep organized alongside your other commands but run somewhere else.

For a deeper comparison of all three modes, see Commands and Execution Workflows.

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When to Use Template Mode

Template Mode is the right choice when you want to:

• Store reusable prompts for external AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others)
• Share prompts with colleagues who use a different AI service
• Build prompt libraries that don't depend on selected text
• Keep frequently used prompts organized alongside your executable commands

Use Case	Why Template Mode?
ChatGPT system prompts	Complete prompts ready to paste into custom instructions
Claude project prompts	Store prompts for a Claude project's context
Interview preparation	Self-contained prompts for practice sessions
Writing frameworks	Detailed writing guides you paste before starting a document
Research methodologies	Step-by-step analysis frameworks for complex topics

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How to Create a Template Command

Step 1: Open the Command Editor

1. Go to Commands in the sidebar.
2. Click New Command (or edit an existing command).

Step 2: Configure as Template

1. Enter a descriptive Name (e.g., "ChatGPT - Coding Assistant").
2. Write your complete prompt in the Instruction field.
3. Set the Mode to Template.
4. Click Save.

The New Command form has a Basic Info section (Name, Description), an Instruction text area for the full prompt, and a Settings section with a Mode selector offering Standalone, Combination, and Template. Choosing Template shows a note that template commands are not executed in Rephlo and are used via the Copy Instruction action.

Note: Template commands display a TMPL badge in the command list and the context menu overlay to distinguish them from executable commands.

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Using Template Commands

Template commands work differently from other commands: instead of executing, they copy the prompt to your clipboard.

From the Command List

1. Locate your Template command in Commands (filter by Template to show only these).
2. Notice the TMPL badge next to the command name.
3. Use the Copy Instruction action to copy the prompt to your clipboard.
4. Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or any other AI tool.

From the Context Menu Overlay

1. Press your hotkey (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+C on Windows/Linux, Shift+Cmd+C on macOS by default).
2. Find your Template command (marked with the TMPL badge).
3. Select the command.
4. The instruction is copied to your clipboard automatically, and a confirmation balloon appears.
5. Switch to your external AI tool and paste.

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Template Mode Restrictions

Because Template commands are designed for external use, Rephlo deliberately disables in-app execution. If you try to run one, Rephlo shows a message explaining it is a stored prompt and to use Copy Instruction instead.

Feature	Available?	Reason
Execute in Rephlo	No	Templates are stored prompts for external tools
Selected-text capture	No	Templates are self-contained
Space data injection	No	No runtime context is composed
History tracking	No	Execution happens externally

Tip: If you need a command that runs inside Rephlo and can be reused externally, create two versions — one in Combination or Standalone mode, and another in Template mode.

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Organizing Template Commands

Use Command Groups

Keep templates together by putting them in a dedicated group:

1. Go to Commands.
2. Create a new group named "Templates" or "External Prompts" (see Command Groups).
3. Drag your Template commands into the group.

Naming Conventions

Prefix Template command names with the target tool so the right prompt is easy to find:

• "ChatGPT - Coding Assistant"
• "Claude - Research Helper"
• "Gemini - Data Analyst"

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Example Template Commands

ChatGPT System Prompt for Code Review

Name: ChatGPT - Code Reviewer
Mode: Template

Instruction:
You are an expert code reviewer with experience in multiple programming languages.
When I share code with you, please:

1. Identify the language and framework being used
2. Check for:
   - Logic errors and bugs
   - Security vulnerabilities
   - Performance issues
   - Code style and readability
3. Suggest specific improvements with examples
4. Rate the code quality on a scale of 1-10

Be constructive and educational in your feedback. Explain WHY something is an
issue, not just WHAT the issue is.

Claude Project Context for Writing

Name: Claude - Technical Writer
Mode: Template

Instruction:
You are a technical writer helping me create clear, concise documentation.

Guidelines:
- Use active voice
- Keep sentences under 20 words when possible
- Use bullet points for lists of 3+ items
- Include code examples for technical concepts
- Define jargon on first use

When I ask you to write or edit content, follow these guidelines strictly.
Ask clarifying questions if the requirements are unclear.

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Converting Between Modes

You can change a command's execution mode at any time:

1. Open the command in edit mode.
2. Change the Mode setting.
3. Click Save.

Converting to Template Mode:

• The command will no longer appear in execution workflows.
• Selected-text capture and Space data injection no longer apply.

Converting from Template Mode:

• For Standalone mode, add an {{input_content}} placeholder where you want selected text inserted.
• For Combination mode, optionally assign a default Space so context is injected automatically.

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Next: Build commands from a plain-language description with the AI Command Builder.