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WPML Installation: Your Key to create a Multilingual WordPress Site

WordPress is a widely-used content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. While the default WordPress installation is in English, there may be situations where you want to create a multilingual website or Woocommerce store. In such cases, you need a multilingual plugin like WPML Multilingual CMS to help you achieve this.

WPML (WordPress Multilingual) is a powerful plugin that allows you to create a multilingual WordPress website with ease. This plugin makes it easy to translate your site’s content, including pages, posts, custom post types, and more, into different languages. WPML has become a popular choice for website owners who want to offer their website in multiple languages, as it simplifies the translation process and helps to create a seamless multilingual experience for visitors.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of installing WPML and outline the prerequisites for doing so.

WPML Installation
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WordPress Prerequisites to install WPML Plugin

Before you can install WPML, there are some prerequisites you need to meet. These include:

Minimum Requirements: Your web hosting environment must meet WPML’s minimum requirements. These include PHP 5.6 or higher, MySQL 5.5 or higher, and the mod_rewrite Apache module.

WordPress Version Requirements: WPML requires a WordPress installation of version 4.0 or higher.

Theme and Plugin Compatibility Requirements: Before installing WPML, you need to ensure that your WordPress theme and plugins are compatible with the plugin. You can check the WPML compatibility list on their website to ensure that your theme and plugins are compatible.

WPML installation process to Create a Multilingual WordPress Website

Before starting, make sure that your WordPress website is up and running. Once done, follow the steps below to install the WPML plugin:

1. Download the WPML plugin

You can download the WPML plugin from the official website, wpml.org. The plugin is available in three different versions, each with varying features and capabilities. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

2. Upload and activate the WPML plugin on the WordPress website

Once you have the WPML plugin file, go to your WordPress website’s dashboard and click on “Plugins” from the left-hand menu. Then, click on “Add New” and select the “Upload Plugin” option. Choose the WPML plugin file that you have downloaded and click “Install Now”. Once the installation is complete, click on “Activate” to activate the plugin.

3. Enter the registration key to activate the plugin

To use the WPML plugin, you need to register and activate it using a site key. You can get the site key by purchasing the WPML plugin or signing up for a free trial on the wpml.org website. Once you have the site key, go to your WordPress dashboard and click on “WPML” from the left-hand menu. Then, click on “Registration” and enter the site key to activate the plugin.

WPML Setup Wizard

Now that you have installed and activated the WPML plugin, it’s time to set it up. The WPML setup wizard will guide you through the process step-by-step. Let’s take a look at the different steps involved.

1. WPML setup wizard

The WPML setup wizard is designed to help you configure the WPML plugin and set up your multilingual WordPress website. The setup wizard will guide you through the process of adding new languages, configuring translation settings, and customizing the language switcher widget.

2. Walk through the setup wizard step-by-step

When you activate the WPML plugin, the setup wizard will start automatically. The first step is to select the languages you want to use on your website. You can choose from a list of available languages or add a new one.

The second step is to choose the translation mode. WPML offers two modes of translation – manual and automatic. In manual mode, you can translate content yourself or hire a translator to do it for you. In automatic mode, WPML uses machine translation to translate content automatically.

The third step is to configure the language switcher widget. You can choose where to place the widget on your website and customize its appearance.

The fourth and final step is to set up translation management. This step is optional and only necessary if you plan to use WPML’s translation management tools.

3. Customize the language switcher

The language switcher is a widget that allows users to switch between different languages on your website. WPML provides several options to customize the language switcher. You can choose where to place it, what it looks like, and which languages to display.

4. Set up translation management

WPML provides several tools to manage translations on your website. These include the String Translation tool, which allows you to translate strings of text that are not part of posts or pages, and the Translation Management tool, which helps you manage translations for posts and pages.

WordPress Site Translation Process

Creating translations using WPML is a straightforward process that allows you to easily translate all types of content on your WordPress site. Here are the steps to create translations using WPML:

Translate from Translation Management

  • Install and activate WPML on your WordPress site.
  • Go to the WPML Translation Management dashboard and click on the "Translation Dashboard" tab.
  • Choose the type of content you want to translate, such as posts, pages, or custom post types.
  • Select the language you want to translate your content into.
  • Choose the translation method you want to use, such as manual translation or translation services.
  • Send the content to the translation queue and wait for the translations to be completed.
  • Once the translations are finished, review and edit them as needed.
  • Publish the translations on your site.

Translate from Post and Page Directly

  • Go to yout Post or Page sections.
  • Find the Post or Page you want to translate.
  • Click the + button of the given language you want to translate.
  • You will be directed to the Advanced Translation Management of the Post or Page.
  • Translate automatically or manually the content.
  • Click complete button to finish the process.

WPML also includes a String Translation feature that allows you to translate text strings, such as theme or plugin strings, that are not part of your site’s content.

Troubleshooting WPML

While installing and using WPML on your WordPress site is generally straightforward, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Issues with plugin installation: If you encounter issues while installing the WPML plugin, ensure that you have downloaded the correct plugin version and that it is compatible with your WordPress version. You can also try deactivating and reactivating the plugin or contacting WPML support for assistance.
  • Compatibility issues with other plugins or themes: WPML may not be compatible with some themes or plugins on your site. If you encounter issues with compatibility, try disabling other plugins or switching to a different theme. You can also contact WPML support for further assistance.
  • Issues with translations not displaying: If translations are not displaying correctly on your site, ensure that you have properly configured the translation settings and that the translated content is published. You can also try clearing your site's cache or disabling caching plugins.
  • Issues with language switcher: If you encounter issues with the language switcher, ensure that you have properly configured the language switcher settings and that it is enabled on your site. You can also try using a different language switcher plugin or contacting WPML support for assistance
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