Translated Article Output Layout Prompt
The translation itself is only half the job. This prompt defines how the finished document is laid out: the translated body first, the key points that follow and what to do when the source is already in your language. Use it to get a consistent translation format every time.
Translate the article below into [target language] and lay out the result as follows. Article: [paste article] Layout: 1. Title: translated title as an H1, with the original title in parentheses below it in italics. 2. Translated content: the full translation as the main section, keeping headings, lists, links and quotes in the same order as the original. 3. Key points: five bullets in the target language that capture the main ideas. 4. Translation notes: a short list of terms you kept in the original language or translated unusually, with a reason. Rules: - If the article is already in [target language], do not translate it. Present the original as the main section and note that no translation was needed. - Keep proper names, product names and code unchanged. - Match the tone of the original. Do not simplify or embellish. - Do not add commentary outside the four sections above.
Adapted from a prompt in awesome-chatgpt-prompts (CC0), rewritten by Retext.
How to use this prompt
- 1
Copy the prompt
Use the copy button, or type its Retext trigger in any app to paste it.
- 2
Open your AI assistant
Start a new chat in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or the assistant you use.
- 3
Fill in the details
Replace any [bracketed] parts with your own details.
- 4
Check and refine
Read the answer, then reply with one change at a time.
Tips for better results
- •Read the translation notes before you share the result. They point to the phrases most likely to need human review.
- •Specify the target language precisely, including formal or casual register if the language has one.
- •Run a two-way check on important text by translating the output back and comparing it to the original.
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Variations
Formal register
Add this line: Use the formal register throughout, such as polite forms in languages that have them.
Side by side
Add this line: Present the translated content as a two-column table, original and translation, paragraph by paragraph.
Save it as a Retext snippet
Retext is a free text expander for Mac. Save this prompt once, then type ;translate-layout in any app (ChatGPT, Claude, your editor, a browser tab) and the full prompt is pasted in.
- Click Add to Retext. The prompt installs as a snippet with the trigger ;translate-layout.
- Change the trigger in Retext if you prefer a different one.
- Type the trigger wherever you want the prompt, then fill in the brackets.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Translated Article Output Layout prompt do?
The translation itself is only half the job. It's written for language learners.
Which AI tools does it work with?
It's plain text, so it works in any chat assistant, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Paste it as the first message of a new chat.
What do I need to fill in?
Replace [target language], [paste article] with your own details. Leave the rest as it is unless you want to change how the AI answers.
Can I save this prompt as a snippet?
Yes. Click Add to Retext and it installs as a snippet with the trigger ;translate-layout. Type that in any Mac app to paste the full prompt.
Related Templates
Get the free prompt pack
Our best writing prompts in one Markdown file, delivered by email. The templates here stay free either way — the pack just saves you the copying.