> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.scribe.gov.sg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.scribe.gov.sg/guides/learn-about-summaries.md).

# Learn about Summaries

### What kinds of Summaries do we have?

Summaries are at the core of Scribe.&#x20;

Every Scribe session gives you two ways to capture your conversation: a [**default auto-summary**](#what-is-auto-summary) and the option to generate [**custom summaries**](#what-is-custom-summary). &#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/lAbN4BNUWI8F2laFbXEg" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Click through the toggles below to learn about our different summaries and how to use them!

<details>

<summary>What is Auto-summary?</summary>

The auto-summary is a default summary that is generated **by Scribe** for each of your sessions.&#x20;

This  auto-summary provides you a high-level overview of your conversation and you'll find it immediately after your session, **marked with an auto-summary banner**.

<figure><img src="/files/uQTGRDbKjO2UN6ALANMJ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **What's included in the auto-summary?**

<table><thead><tr><th width="209.935791015625">Section</th><th>What it is</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>High-level Overview</td><td>A quick breakdown of your conversation, including key observations, decisions made during the conversation and any follow-up actions for parties in the conversation</td></tr><tr><td>Topics Discussed</td><td>A list of the key topics discussed in the conversation, with a quick summary of each topic's details</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### **The auto-summary is great for:**

* Getting a quick reference of what was discussed
* Initial first draft for your documentation
* Inspiration when crafting headers for custom summaries of your own!

{% hint style="info" %}
Default summaries are auto-generated and will always have the same structure and format — to customise your summaries, try [Master your Custom Summaries](/guides/learn-about-summaries/master-your-custom-summaries.md) instead!
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is Custom Summary?</summary>

When you need something more specific, you can generate a custom summary of your own.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/5qa3ZCRmq99DhfnoCCWP" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

There are 4 main elements you can tweak to get the summary you want. Each of these elements guides Scribe in different ways when it generates your summary.

<table><thead><tr><th width="40"></th><th width="113.22125244140625">Element</th><th width="262.2445068359375">What is it?</th><th>Examples</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Description</td><td>A brief 1 or 2-line summary <strong>describing the setting</strong> and <strong>who is in the conversation.</strong> </td><td>I am a social worker meeting with a client, John, for an intake assessment.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Headers</td><td><strong>Specific topics</strong> <strong>or sections you want Scribe to focus on</strong> when structuring your summaries. </td><td><ul><li>Client's coping mechanisms</li><li>Client's relationship with parents</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Summary Style</td><td>Settings for <strong>basic formatting</strong> and the <strong>summary's detail level</strong> </td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Custom Instructions</td><td>Free-text instructions for <strong>further customisation to tailor it to your writing style and needs.</strong> </td><td>Refer to the client as 'John'. In the 'Assessment' section, use the client's own words where impactful to highlight emotional weight.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Want to learn how to get the most out of your custom summaries? Visit [Master your Custom Summaries](/guides/learn-about-summaries/master-your-custom-summaries.md) for a deep dive!
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is the difference between Auto-summary &#x26; Custom Summary?</summary>

Here's how our two summaries compare —&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th width="96.28741455078125"></th><th>Default Auto-Summary</th><th>Custom Summary</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Best For</td><td>Getting a quick overview of your conversation</td><td>Creating notes with specific sections and documentation styles</td></tr><tr><td>Creation</td><td>Automatically generated by Scribe</td><td>Generated by you</td></tr><tr><td>Structure</td><td>High-level breakdown of the whole conversation</td><td>Custom structure with headers that you define</td></tr><tr><td>Format</td><td>Standard format and detail</td><td>Customisable style, detail, and format</td></tr></tbody></table>

</details>


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