The AI Generator in eCourtDate helps you draft message templates, documents, and communications in seconds. Choose a use case, customize the output, and save the result as a reusable template or translate it into another language automatically.

### Overview

- **What it is:** An AI-powered content generator that creates draft message templates and documents based on your selected use case, audience, and preferences.
- **Why it matters:** Writing effective court communications takes time. The AI Generator produces professional, plain-language drafts that you can refine and reuse, significantly reducing the time spent on template creation.
- **Who uses it:** Court clerks, administrators, communication managers, and any staff responsible for creating client-facing messages, reminders, or documents.
- **Expected outcomes:** Ready-to-use draft content that follows best practices for court communications, available to save as templates or send directly.

### Prerequisites

- An active eCourtDate account with the **Messaging** permission enabled
- Access to the **Generator** feature (may require Administrator or Communication Manager role)
- A clear idea of the message purpose, audience, and tone

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Open the AI Generator

1. Click **Messaging** from the main navigation menu.
2. Click **Generator** to open the AI content generation tool.

#### Step 2: Select a Use Case Template

1. Browse the available use case templates (for example, Court Reminder, Payment Notice, Check-In Confirmation, Warrant Notification).
2. Click the use case that best matches your needs.
3. Review the description to confirm it aligns with your intended message.

#### Step 3: Customize the Generation Parameters

1. Enter or adjust the **Subject Line** if the use case includes one.
2. Select the **Tone** from the dropdown (for example, Formal, Friendly, Urgent).
3. Select the **Message Type** (for example, SMS, Email, Letter).
4. Add any **Custom Instructions** in the text area to guide the AI (for example, "Include a link to the payment portal" or "Mention the next court date").
5. Select the **Language** if you want the output generated in a language other than English.

#### Step 4: Generate and Preview the Content

1. Click **Generate** to produce the draft content.
2. Review the generated text in the preview area.
3. Edit the content directly in the preview area to make adjustments, correct details, or add specific information.
4. Click **Regenerate** if you want a completely new version based on the same parameters.

#### Step 5: Save as a Template

1. Once you are satisfied with the content, click **Save as Template**.
2. Enter a **Template Name** and select a **Category** from the dropdown.
3. Add any **Merge Tags** (for example, {client_name}, {court_date}, {location}) to make the template dynamic.
4. Click **Save** to add the template to your library for reuse.

#### Step 6: Auto-Translate the Content

1. With the generated content displayed, click **Translate**.
2. Select the target language from the **Language** dropdown.
3. Review the translated version in the preview area.
4. Click **Save Translation** to store the translated version alongside the original template.

### What to Expect

The AI Generator produces a draft within a few seconds. The output follows plain-language best practices appropriate for court and government communications. Saved templates appear in your template library and can be used in bulk messaging, individual communications, or automated workflows. Translations are stored as variants of the original template, so you can send the same message in multiple languages.

### Best Practices

- Always review and edit AI-generated content before sending. The generator produces drafts, not final copy.
- Use **Custom Instructions** to include agency-specific details the AI would not know (court addresses, department names, policy specifics).
- Save frequently used variations as separate templates with descriptive names for easy retrieval.
- Test merge tags by previewing the template with a real client record before deploying in bulk messages.
- Use the translation feature to reach multilingual populations rather than creating separate templates from scratch.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does the AI Generator store or learn from the content it creates?**
A: No. Generated content is not used to train or improve the AI model. Your data remains private and is not shared outside your agency's account.

**Q: Can I use the AI Generator for languages other than English?**
A: Yes. You can generate content directly in another language by selecting it in the **Language** field before clicking **Generate**. You can also generate in English first and use the **Translate** feature afterward.

**Q: What happens if the generated content is inaccurate?**
A: AI-generated content is a starting point. Always verify facts, dates, legal references, and agency-specific details before saving or sending. Edit the content directly in the preview area to make corrections.

**Q: Can I regenerate content without losing my edits?**
A: Clicking **Regenerate** replaces the current preview with a new version. If you have made edits you want to keep, save the current version as a template first, then regenerate for a fresh draft.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** The generated content does not match the selected use case.
**Symptoms:** The output is off-topic or does not align with the message purpose.
**Solution:** Add more detail in the **Custom Instructions** field. Specific instructions produce more accurate results. For example, instead of "reminder," write "Remind client of upcoming arraignment hearing on a specific date at a specific courthouse."

**Issue:** The **Generate** button is disabled or unresponsive.
**Symptoms:** Clicking **Generate** does not produce any output, or the button appears grayed out.
**Solution:** Ensure all required fields are completed (use case selection is mandatory). Check your internet connection and refresh the page. If the issue persists, contact your administrator to verify that the AI Generator feature is enabled for your account.

### Related Articles

- [How to Create Message Templates](how-to-create-message-templates)
- [How to Preview Messages](how-to-preview-messages)
- [How to Import Sample Templates](how-to-import-sample-templates)