How to Customize Summary Templates
Step-by-step guide to creating custom summary templates for your conversations
Pocket AI allows you to customize how your conversations are summarized by creating custom templates. This guide walks you through the process with annotated screenshots.
What You'll Learn
- How to access summary customization settings
- How to create a custom summary template
- How to define custom sections with specific AI instructions
- Best practices for template design
Prerequisites
- Pocket AI app installed and set up
- Active Pocket Pro subscription (for custom templates)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to Summary Settings
Open the Pocket app and go to Settings (bottom right tab), then tap on Summary.
The Summary option shows "How your conversations are summarized" as the description.
Step 2: Open Summary Theme Settings
On the Summary settings page, tap Summary theme to access template options.
You'll see various configuration options including Language, Summary model, Speaker management, and more.
Step 3: Create New Template
On the Summary Theme page, tap + Create new template at the top.
You'll also see preset templates like AutoPilot Mode, Meeting Summary, Call Summary, and more.
Step 4: Enter Template Name and Global Instructions
The template creation form has three main parts:
- NAME - Give your template a descriptive name (e.g., "Business Meetings")
- GLOBAL INSTRUCTIONS - Provide overall context for how to summarize conversations
- SECTIONS - Define custom sections with specific instructions
In the example above:
- Template name: "Business Meetings"
- Global instruction: "Give an overall context of summarizing your conversations"
- First section: "Tone of meeting:" with instruction "Explain overall tone of meeting in 2-3 sentences"
Step 5: Add Multiple Sections
Add as many sections as needed to structure your summary. Each section can have:
- A Section Title (e.g., "Key discussion topics", "Decision Made")
- Specific Instructions for what the AI should include in that section
Sections can be reordered using the drag handle on the left.
Step 6: Add More Sections and Save
Use the + Add Section button to add more sections as needed. Once your template is complete, tap Create template to save it.
In the example:
- "Action Items and Deadlines" section
- "Unresolved Question" section
- "+ Add Section" button to add more
- "Create template" button to save
Template Design Tips
1. Be Specific with Instructions
Instead of vague instructions like "summarize the meeting," use specific guidance:
Good: "List 3-5 key decisions made, including who made each decision" Better: "Extract action items with assigned person and deadline in format: [Person] - [Task] - [Due date]"
2. Structure Your Sections Logically
Organize sections in a natural flow:
- Overview/Context
- Main Discussion Points
- Decisions Made
- Action Items
- Next Steps
3. Use Consistent Section Names
If you create multiple templates, use consistent section names for similar content. This makes it easier to find information across different conversation types.
4. Leverage Global Instructions
Use the global instructions field to set the overall tone and style:
- "Use bullet points and concise language"
- "Write in a formal business tone"
- "Focus on actionable insights"
5. Template Examples by Use Case
For Meetings:
- Attendees
- Agenda Items Covered
- Key Decisions
- Action Items & Owners
- Next Meeting Date
For Interviews:
- Candidate Background
- Questions Asked
- Candidate Responses (by topic)
- Strengths Observed
- Concerns/Red Flags
- Recommendation
For Journaling:
- Mood/Emotional State
- Key Events Today
- Reflections & Insights
- Gratitude Items
- Goals for Tomorrow
Related Features
- Recording & Summary - Learn about Pocket's summary capabilities
- Custom Templates - Overview of template features
- Pocket Pro - Learn about Pro subscription benefits
Need Help?
If you have questions about custom templates, visit the Pocket Community or contact support.