Bob Translator

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Quick Configuration

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1. Install Bob

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2. Configure APIYI

1. Open Bob settings (menu bar icon > Preferences)
2. Switch to “Services” tab
3. Add OpenAI translation service
4. Configure parameters:
   • API Key: Your APIYI key
   • API URL: https://api.apiyi.com
   • Model: gpt-3.5-turbo

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3. Test Configuration

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Usage Methods

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Word Selection Translation

1. Select text to translate
2. Press shortcut key (default ⌥ + D)
3. Bob pops up translation result

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Screenshot Translation

1. Press screenshot shortcut (default ⌥ + S)
2. Select area to translate
3. Bob recognizes and translates text in image

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Input Translation

1. Bring up Bob window (default ⌥ + Space)
2. Input or paste text to translate
3. Select target language
4. View translation result

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Model Selection

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Recommendations for Different Scenarios

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Multi-Model Configuration

1. Add multiple OpenAI translation services
2. Configure different model for each service
3. Select which to use when translating

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Advanced Settings

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Custom Prompts

You are a professional translation expert proficient in multiple languages. Please translate the following {source_lang} text to {target_lang}.

Requirements:
1. Maintain original tone and style
2. Use idiomatic expressions
3. For technical terms, mark original text in parentheses after translation
4. Be mindful of cultural differences, adjust expressions appropriately

Original text: {text}

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Customize Shortcuts

• Word Selection Translation: ⌥ + D
• Screenshot Translation: ⌥ + S
• Input Translation: ⌥ + Space
• Show/Hide: ⌥ + B

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Translation Behavior Settings

• Auto-detect Language: Enabled
• Auto-copy After Translation: Based on needs
• Preserve Original Format: Enabled
• History: Enabled

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Usage Tips

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1. Professional Domain Translation

Please translate as a computer professional translator.
Preserve all technical terms in English, with Chinese explanations in parentheses.

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2. Batch Translation

1. Use input translation mode
2. Paste text in segments
3. Use history to view all translations

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3. Comparative Reading

1. Enable “Show Original” option
2. Use word selection translation to view in real-time
3. Compare original and translation for learning

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4. Terminology Management

1. Bookmark common terminology translations
2. Customize specific word translations
3. Export terminology database backup

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Common Issues

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Slow Translation Speed

• Network connection issues
• Selected model is large
• API service busy

1. Check network connection
2. Use fast models like gpt-3.5-turbo
3. Avoid peak hours

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Inaccurate Translation

1. Use more advanced models (like GPT-4)
2. Optimize prompts, provide more context
3. Specify domain for professional content

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API Quota Exhausted

1. Check APIYI account balance
2. Use different models reasonably to control costs
3. Set daily usage limits

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Best Practices

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1. Cost Control

• Use gpt-3.5-turbo for daily translation
• Only use gpt-4 for important documents
• Regularly check usage statistics

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2. Translation Quality

• Provide sufficient context
• Specify domain when using technical terms
• Proofread important content

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3. Workflow Optimization

• Set common language pairs
• Customize domain-specific prompts
• Make good use of history and favorites

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4. Data Security

• Don’t translate text containing sensitive information
• Regularly clean translation history
• Keep API key secure

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Advanced Features

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URL Scheme Integration

# Translate text directly
bob://translate?text=Hello&from=en&to=zh

# Open Bob window
bob://open

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AppleScript Automation

tell application "Bob"
    translate "Hello World" from "en" to "zh"
end tell

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Export Function

1. Enter history
2. Select time range
3. Export as CSV or JSON format

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Integration with Other Tools

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Raycast Integration

// Raycast script example
import { showToast, Toast } from "@raycast/api";
import { exec } from "child_process";

export default async function Command() {
  exec("open bob://translate", (error) => {
    if (error) {
      showToast(Toast.Style.Failure, "Failed to launch Bob");
    }
  });
}

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Alfred Workflow

1. Create new workflow
2. Add Keyword trigger
3. Connect Run Script action
4. Call Bob’s URL Scheme

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PopClip Extension

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Troubleshooting

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Service Unavailable

1. API key is correct
2. Network connection is normal
3. APIYI service status

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Shortcut Conflicts

1. Check for shortcut conflicts in System Preferences
2. Set unique shortcut combinations for Bob
3. Disable conflicting app shortcuts

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Permission Issues

• Accessibility permission
• Screen recording permission (for screenshot translation)
• Keyboard input permission

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Performance Optimization

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Reduce Latency

1. Use faster models
2. Enable local caching
3. Optimize network settings

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Save Resources

1. Set reasonable translation history retention time
2. Regularly clean cache
3. Avoid running multiple translation services simultaneously

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Improve Experience

1. Adjust popup display time
2. Customize interface theme
3. Optimize font size and style