init-translator

Initialize a Zotero translator scaffold with metadata and Web translator type.

5|2|Updated Mar 6, 2026

Search Tags:#development #zotero #scaffold #metadata #initialization #translator #web-translator

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/trotsky1997/citeclaw --skill init-translator

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: init-translator
Source: https://github.com/trotsky1997/citeclaw/tree/main/vendor/translators-official/.agent/skills/init-translator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/trotsky1997/citeclaw --skill init-translator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Defines the mandatory process to initialize a Zotero translator script, ensuring that AI cannot generate a valid translator on its own and that users follow the scaffold workflow.

Core Features & Use Cases

Guides users through Zotero's Translator Editor workflow to create a new translator script.
Ensures proper metadata (label, creator, target regex) and selects the Web translator type by default.
Provides a safe, verified starting point for translator development and iterated improvements.

Quick Start

Open Zotero and use Tools → Translator Editor to Scaffold a new translator, then save and verify the translator file exists on disk.

Frequently Asked Questions about init-translator

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I initialize a new Zotero translator script correctly?▼

To initialize a Zotero web translator, use Zotero's Translator Editor to scaffold a new script. You must configure the label, creator, and target regex, then save and verify the file exists on disk before development proceeds.

What metadata is required for a Zotero translator scaffold?▼

A Zotero translator scaffold requires a label, creator, and target regex within the metadata. Selecting the Web translator type is also mandatory to properly initialize the script for web scraping.

Why can't an AI generate a valid Zotero translator on its own?▼

An AI cannot generate a valid Zotero translator on its own because the initialization requires using Zotero's Translator Editor to scaffold and save the script. This mandatory workflow ensures proper metadata setup and file creation on disk.

How do I verify my Zotero translator file exists on disk after scaffolding?▼

To verify your Zotero translator file exists on disk, complete the scaffolding process in the Translator Editor and save the script. Ensuring the file is present on disk provides a verified starting point for translator development.

When do I need to scaffold a Zotero translator?▼

You need to scaffold a Zotero translator when starting a new translator project. This initialization process creates a valid script structure, ensuring proper metadata setup and a safe starting point for development.

Does a Zotero translator scaffold require the Web translator type?▼

Yes, initializing a Zotero translator scaffold requires selecting the Web translator type by default. This ensures the newly initialized script is correctly configured for web-based data extraction.