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Finding and Translating Strings with WPML String Translation

WPML String Translation is a plugin for WordPress that allows you to translate texts, also known as strings, from your themes and plugins into different languages.

It is a must-have translation tool for anyone building a multilingual website or blog. 

WPML String Translation is part of the WPML (WordPress Multilingual) plugin, a multilingual CMS that enables users to translate their WordPress site into multiple languages.

 In this article, we will guide you through the steps to set up and use WPML String Translation to translate your site’s strings easily.

Finding and Translating Strings with WPML String Translation
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Setting Up WPML String Translation

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  • Installation and Activation of WPML. Plugin The first step in using WPML String Translation is to install and activate the WPML plugin. You can download it from the WordPress plugin directory or purchase it from the WPML website. Once you've installed and activated the plugin, you'll be prompted to register it. Registration is necessary to receive updates and support for the plugin.
  • Setting Up WPML String Translation Module. After registering WPML, you'll need to set up the String Translation module. To do this, navigate to the WPML menu in the WordPress admin area and click on the "String Translation" link. On the String Translation page, you can configure various settings, such as choosing which post types you want to translate, specifying the translation controls, and deciding who will translate your content.
  • Selecting Languages to Translate. WPML allows you to translate your site into many languages. On the String Translation page, you can choose the languages you want to translate by checking the boxes next to the languages you want to use. WPML supports over 40 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and more.

Finding and Translating Strings

  • Using the String Translation Interface. Once you've set up WPML String Translation, you can start translating your strings. To do this, navigate to the String Translation page, where you will see a list of strings that need translation. The list includes all the strings that WPML has found in your theme and plugins. You can use the String Translation interface to translate each string individually or in bulk.
  • Searching for Strings to Translate. If you're looking for a specific string to translate, you can use the search function in the String Translation interface. Type in a keyword or phrase and click the "Search" button to find all the strings that match your search criteria. You can also filter the strings by language, context, or domain.
  • Translating Strings Manually. To translate a string manually, simply click on the string you want to translate in the String Translation table. A new page will appear where you can enter the translation in the appropriate language. WPML automatically saves your translations, so there's no need to worry about losing your work.
  • Translating Strings. Using Translation Management If you have a lot of strings that need to be translated, you may want to use the Translation Management feature of WPML. This feature allows you to send your strings to a professional translation service or use other translators to translate your content. With Translation Management, you can choose who will translate your strings, track the progress of the translations, and edit the translations before publishing them on your site.

Advanced Features

  • Using Translation Memory. WPML's Translation Memory feature is a powerful tool that can save you a lot of time and effort when translating your strings. Translation Memory stores all the translations you've made, allowing you to reuse them in future translations. This means that if you've translated a string before, WPML will suggest the same translation for the same string in the future.
  • Importing and Exporting Translations. If you have translations in a different format, you can import them into WPML using the Import feature. Similarly, you can export your translations in various formats, such as CSV or TMX, for use in other translation tools.
  • Using Hooks and Filters. WPML has a wide range of hooks and filters that allow you to customize and extend its functionality. Hooks and filters allow you to add new features or modify existing ones to suit your specific needs. For example, you can use hooks and filters to add custom fields to the String Translation table or modify the translation interface to make it easier to use.

In conclusion, WPML String Translation is an essential tool for anyone building a multilingual website or blog. It allows you to translate every single string on your site, from the site’s tagline to widget titles, to make your site fully translatable.

With its powerful features, including Translation Memory, Translation Management, and hooks and filters, WPML String Translation makes it easier than ever to translate your site’s strings and keep your site up-to-date in multiple languages.

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