How to Create a Custom Template in Straico: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating custom templates in Straico can significantly enhance your AI workflow by allowing you to craft reusable prompts tailored to your specific needs. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a template, using an Academic Topic Summarizer as our example. Let’s get started!



Step 1: Access Template Creation

Navigate to Templates

Begin by locating the Templates icon on the left sidebar of your Straico workspace. Clicking on this icon takes you to the Templates area, where all your custom templates reside.

Initiate Template Creation

Once in the Templates area, click on the Plus (+) icon. This action opens a new window where you’ll start crafting your new template.


Step 2: General Adjustments

Name Your Template

Assign a distinctive name that reflects the purpose of your template. For our example, we’ll call it “Academic Topic Summarizer.” This name will help you and others identify the template’s function quickly.

Provide a Description

Add a brief description outlining what your template does. For instance: “This template identifies relevant studies related to a given academic topic and provides an accessible, brief analysis of each.

This description helps users understand the template’s functionality at a glance.


Step 2.1: Choose the Default Models

Select Default Models

Straico allows you to choose up to four generative AI models that best suit your template’s objectives. For our Academic Topic Summarizer, we’ll select:

  • Claude 3.5 Sonnet – A fan favorite known for its versatility.
  • Meta Llama 3.1 70B Instruct – Excellent for document summarization tasks.
  • OpenAI o1 Preview – Offers robust reasoning capabilities, enhancing analysis depth.
  • Perplexity Llama 3.1 Sonar 70B Online – Excels in complex search and data synthesis.

Each model brings unique strengths, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality outputs.


Step 3: Attachments

Attach Relevant Files

Although optional, attaching files can provide additional context for your AI models. You can upload images or documents that will be automatically positioned at the beginning of your prompt.

For this example, we’re not attaching any files. However, if you have materials like an initial dissertation or research document, attaching it could enrich the AI’s responses by providing more in-depth context.


Step 4: Prompt and Variables

Craft Instructions

Now, it’s time to write detailed instructions that define how your template should function. Clear and specific instructions guide the AI models to produce the desired outputs.

Incorporate Variables

Variables make your template dynamic and adaptable to different inputs.

Text Variables

  • Define Variable Name: Assign an easy-to-reference name like topic.
  • Set Placeholder: Place “Desired Topic” this can be used to give a bit more of guidance to the one using the template.
  • Limit Characters: Specify the maximum character count for user input (up to 100,000 characters).

Note: You can insert the same variable multiple times in your prompt if needed.

Example:

“As an AI language model, analyze the following {{topic}}. Summarize key studies and provide insights in an easily understandable format.”

Dropdown Variables

  • Define Variable Name: Name your dropdown variable, such as “citation.
  • Add Options: List the selectable options, e.g., APA, MLA, IEEE.

This allows users to choose their preferred citation style, adding flexibility to the template.


Step 5: Review

Before finalizing, review your template to ensure everything is in place:

  • Models: Confirm that all selected AI models are listed correctly.
  • Prompt and Variables: Check that your prompt is clear and that variables are properly integrated.

Step 6: Template Location

Choose a Folder

Decide where you’d like to save your template. You can select a specific folder for better organization.

For this example, we’ll keep it in the default “My Templates” folder.


Step 7: Public Availability (Optional)

Make Your Template Public

This step is optional but allows you to share your template with the entire Straico community.

  • Fill in SEO Details:
  • Title: Provide a clear and concise title.
  • Description: Write a brief summary of your template’s purpose.
  • Slug: Create a simple and readable URL slug (e.g., “academic-topic-summarizer”).
  • Keywords: Include relevant keywords like “academic summarizer,” “AI research assistant,” “citation styles.”

Since you’ve just created the template, filling out these details should be quick and straightforward.


Step 8: Use the Template

Access Your Template

Navigate back to your Templates area and locate your new template in the “My Templates” folder.

Start Using It

Click on your template to begin using it. Input your variables—for example, enter your research topic and select your preferred citation style—and let the AI models do their work.

Share with Others

If you want to share the template with someone specific:


That’s it!

You’ve successfully created a powerful, reusable template in Straico!

By harnessing the flexibility of templates, you can streamline your AI tasks and boost productivity.

Start exploring and creating more templates tailored to your needs. Whether you’re summarizing academic topics, generating marketing content, or drafting emails, Straico’s template feature has you covered.

Happy creating!


Straico provides seamless access to leading generative AI models for text, images, and audio—all in one unified workspace. Unlock your potential and transform the way you work with AI today.