Template Mode
Template Mode is a special execution mode for commands that are designed to be used with external AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or other AI assistants.
What is Template Mode?
Unlike Standalone and Combination modes that execute commands directly within Rephlo, Template Mode stores complete, self-contained prompts that you copy and paste into external tools.
TEMPLATE MODE VS. OTHER MODES
=============================
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EXECUTION MODE COMPARISON │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ COMBINATION MODE STANDALONE MODE TEMPLATE MODE │
│ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐│
│ │ Base Prompt │ │ Instruction │ │ Instruction ││
│ │ + Instruction │ │ with {{INPUT}} │ │ (Complete) ││
│ │ + Space Data │ │ placeholder │ │ ││
│ │ + Input Text │ │ │ │ No execution ││
│ │ │ │ │ │ in Rephlo ││
│ │ ▼ │ │ ▼ │ │ ▼ ││
│ │ EXECUTE IN │ │ EXECUTE IN │ │ COPY TO ││
│ │ REPHLO │ │ REPHLO │ │ EXTERNAL TOOL ││
│ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
When to Use Template Mode
Template Mode is ideal when you want to:
- Store reusable prompts for external AI tools
- Share prompts with colleagues who use different AI services
- Build prompt libraries that don't depend on selected text
- Create complex multi-turn conversation starters
- Keep frequently-used prompts organized alongside your other commands
| Use Case | Why Template Mode? |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT system prompts | Complete prompts ready to paste into ChatGPT's custom instructions |
| Claude project prompts | Store prompts for Claude's project context feature |
| 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 |
How to Create a Template Command
Step 1: Open the Command Editor
- Navigate to Dashboard > Commands
- Click "+ New Command" or edit an existing command
Step 2: Configure as Template
- Enter a descriptive Name (e.g., "ChatGPT - Coding Assistant")
- Write your complete prompt in the Instruction field
- In the Settings section, select Template as the Mode
- Click Save
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ COMMAND CREATION FORM │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ New Command [X] │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────────────── ───────────────────┤ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ BASIC INFO │ │
│ │ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Name*: [ChatGPT - Coding Assistant_________] │ │ │
│ │ │ Description: [System prompt for code review sessions_] │ │ │
│ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ INSTRUCTION │ │
│ │ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ You are an expert software engineer with 20 years of │ │ │
│ │ │ experience. When I share code with you: │ │ │
│ │ │ 1. First identify the programming language │ │ │
│ │ │ 2. Explain what the code does in simple terms │ │ │
│ │ │ 3. Point out any bugs, security issues, or improvements │ │ │
│ │ │ 4. Suggest refactored version with explanations │ │ │
│ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ SETTINGS │ │
│ │ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Mode: ( ) Standalone ( ) Combination (o) Template │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ Note: Template commands cannot be executed in Rephlo. │ │ │
│ │ │ Use the Copy button to paste into external tools. │ │ │
│ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ [Cancel] [Save] │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└ ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Note: Template commands display a "Template" badge in the command list and context menu to distinguish them from executable commands.
Using Template Commands
Template commands work differently from other commands. Instead of executing, they provide a quick way to copy the prompt.
From the Command List
- Locate your Template command in Dashboard > Commands
- Notice the "Template" badge next to the command name
- Click the command card to view details
- Click "Copy Instruction" to copy the prompt to your clipboard
- Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or any other AI tool
From the Context Menu Overlay
- Press your hotkey (
Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Cby default) - Find your Template command (marked with a "Template" badge)
- Click the command
- The instruction is automatically copied to your clipboard
- A notification confirms the copy action
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ USING TEMPLATE FROM OVERLAY │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────── ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ STEP 1 STEP 2 │ │
│ │ Press Hotkey Select Template Command │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ Command Overlay │ │ │
│ │ │ Ctrl+Shift+Alt+C │ ──▶ │ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ ChatGPT - Coding TMPL │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ Claude - Writer TMPL │ │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────────┘ │ │ Summarize │ │ │ │
│ │ │ └────────────────────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ ▼ │ │
│ │ STEP 3 STEP 4 │ │
│ │ Instruction Copied Paste in External Tool │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Notification: │ │ ChatGPT │ │ │
│ │ │ "Template copied │ ──▶ │ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ to clipboard" │ │ │ [Ctrl+V to paste] │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────────┘ │ └────────────────────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Template Mode Restrictions
Because Template commands are designed for external use, certain features are disabled:
| Feature | Available? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Execute in Rephlo | No | Templates are for external tools only |
| Space assignment | No | No runtime context needed |
| Input text capture | No | Templates are self-contained |
| Test command | No | Cannot execute within Rephlo |
| Fixed content append | No | Output is not generated by Rephlo |
| History tracking | No | Execution happens externally |
Tip: If you need a command that executes within Rephlo AND can be used externally, create two versions: one as Combination/Standalone mode and another as Template mode.
Organizing Template Commands
Using Command Groups
Create a dedicated group for your templates:
- Go to Dashboard > Commands
- Click New Group
- Name it "Templates" or "External Prompts"
- Drag your Template commands into this group
Naming Conventions
Consider prefixing Template command names with the target tool:
- "ChatGPT - Coding Assistant"
- "Claude - Research Helper"
- "Gemini - Data Analyst"
This makes it easy to find the right prompt for each tool.
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.
Converting Between Modes
You can change a command's execution mode at any time:
- Open the command in Edit mode
- Change the Mode setting
- Click Save
Converting to Template Mode:
- Space assignments will be removed
- The command will no longer appear in execution workflows
- Existing history for the command is preserved
Converting from Template Mode:
- You may want to add
{{INPUT_TEXT}}placeholder for Standalone mode - Consider assigning a Space for Combination mode
Next Feature: Learn about backing up your data in Global Import & Export.