docs/3-USER-GUIDE/transformations.md
Transformations apply the same analysis to multiple sources at once. Instead of asking the same question repeatedly, define a template and run it across your content.
| Use Transformations When | Use Chat Instead When |
|---|---|
| Same analysis on many sources | One-off questions |
| Consistent output format needed | Exploratory conversation |
| Batch processing | Follow-up questions needed |
| Creating structured notes | Context changes between questions |
Example: You have 10 papers and want a summary of each. Transformation does it in one operation.
1. Go to your notebook
2. Click "Transformations" in navigation
3. Select a built-in template (e.g., "Summary")
4. Select sources to transform
5. Click "Apply"
6. Wait for processing
7. New notes appear automatically
Open Notebook includes ready-to-use templates:
What it does: Creates a 200-300 word overview
Output: Key points, main arguments, conclusions
Best for: Quick reference, getting the gist
What it does: Extracts main ideas and terminology
Output: List of concepts with explanations
Best for: Learning new topics, building vocabulary
What it does: Extracts research approach
Output: How the study was conducted
Best for: Academic papers, research review
What it does: Extracts actionable insights
Output: What you should do with this information
Best for: Business documents, practical guides
What it does: Generates questions the source raises
Output: Open questions, gaps, follow-up research
Best for: Literature review, research planning
1. Go to "Transformations" page
2. Click "Create New"
3. Enter a name: "Academic Paper Analysis"
4. Write your prompt template:
"Analyze this academic paper and extract:
1. **Research Question**: What problem does this address?
2. **Hypothesis**: What did they predict?
3. **Methodology**: How did they test it?
4. **Key Findings**: What did they discover? (numbered list)
5. **Limitations**: What caveats do the authors mention?
6. **Future Work**: What do they suggest next?
Be specific and cite page numbers where possible."
5. Click "Save"
6. Your transformation appears in the list
Be specific about format:
Good: "List 5 key points as bullet points"
Bad: "What are the key points?"
Request structure:
Good: "Create sections for: Summary, Methods, Results"
Bad: "Tell me about this paper"
Ask for citations:
Good: "Cite page numbers for each claim"
Bad: (no citation request)
Set length expectations:
Good: "In 200-300 words, summarize..."
Bad: "Summarize this"
1. In Sources panel, click source menu (⋮)
2. Select "Transform"
3. Choose transformation template
4. Click "Apply"
5. Note appears when done
1. Go to Transformations page
2. Select your template
3. Check multiple sources
4. Click "Apply to Selected"
5. Processing runs in parallel
6. One note per source created
| Sources | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| 1 source | 30 seconds - 1 minute |
| 5 sources | 2-3 minutes |
| 10 sources | 4-5 minutes |
| 20+ sources | 8-10 minutes |
Processing runs in background. You can continue working.
Name: Literature Review Entry
Prompt:
"For this research paper, create a literature review entry:
**Citation**: [Author(s), Year, Title, Journal]
**Research Question**: What problem is addressed?
**Methodology**: What approach was used?
**Sample**: What population/data was studied?
**Key Findings**:
1. [Finding with page citation]
2. [Finding with page citation]
3. [Finding with page citation]
**Strengths**: What did this study do well?
**Limitations**: What are the gaps?
**Relevance**: How does this connect to my research?
Keep each section to 2-3 sentences."
Name: Meeting Summary
Prompt:
"From this meeting transcript, extract:
**Attendees**: Who was present
**Date/Time**: When it occurred
**Key Decisions**: What was decided (numbered)
**Action Items**:
- [ ] Task (Owner, Due Date)
**Open Questions**: Unresolved issues
**Next Steps**: What happens next
Format as clear, scannable notes."
Name: Competitor Analysis
Prompt:
"Analyze this company/product document:
**Company**: Name and overview
**Products/Services**: What they offer
**Target Market**: Who they serve
**Pricing**: If available
**Strengths**: Competitive advantages
**Weaknesses**: Gaps or limitations
**Opportunities**: How we compare
**Threats**: What they do better
Be objective and cite specific details."
Name: API Documentation Summary
Prompt:
"Extract from this technical document:
**Overview**: What does this do? (1-2 sentences)
**Authentication**: How to authenticate
**Key Endpoints**:
- Endpoint 1: [method] [path] - [purpose]
- Endpoint 2: ...
**Common Parameters**: Frequently used params
**Rate Limits**: If mentioned
**Error Codes**: Key error responses
**Example Usage**: Simple code example if possible
Keep technical but concise."
1. Go to Transformations page
2. Find your template
3. Click "Edit"
4. Modify the prompt
5. Click "Save"
1. Go to Transformations page
2. Find the template
3. Click "Delete"
4. Confirm
Built-in transformations appear first, then custom ones alphabetically.
Default: "[Transformation Name] - [Source Title]"
Example: "Summary - Research Paper 2025.pdf"
1. Click the generated note
2. Click "Edit"
3. Refine the content
4. Save
Problem: Results are too vague Solution: Make prompt more specific, add format requirements
Problem: Key details not extracted Solution: Explicitly ask for what you need in prompt
Problem: Each note looks different Solution: Add clear formatting instructions to prompt
Problem: Output doesn't match expectations Solution: Specify word count or section lengths
Problem: Transformation doesn't complete Solution:
| Feature | Transformations | Chat | Ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input | Predefined template | Your questions | Your question |
| Scope | One source at a time | Selected sources | Auto-searched |
| Output | Structured note | Conversation | Comprehensive answer |
| Best for | Batch processing | Exploration | One-shot answers |
| Follow-up | Run again | Ask more | New query |
Transformations = Batch AI Processing
How to use:
1. Define template (or use built-in)
2. Select sources
3. Apply transformation
4. Get structured notes
When to use:
- Same analysis on many sources
- Consistent output needed
- Building structured knowledge base
- Saving time on repetitive tasks
Tips:
- Be specific in prompts
- Request formatting
- Test before batch
- Edit output as needed
Transformations turn repetitive analysis into one-click operations. Define once, apply many times.