WPML String Translation Plugin

WPML String Translation is a component of the WPML (WordPress Multilingual) plugin suite that allows you to translate texts that are not directly associated with posts or pages. This includes strings from themes, plugins, and other parts of your WordPress website. In this guide, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and best practices for using the WPML String Translation plugin to create multilingual WordPress websites.

Introducing WPML String Translation Plugin

WPML (WordPress Multilingual) is a popular plugin that enables you to create multilingual websites with ease. WPML String Translation is one of the components of WPML, focusing on the translation of strings, or text elements, that are not part of the regular content of your website. These strings can include text in themes, plugins, widgets, custom fields, and more.

Key Features

1. Translation of Theme and Plugin Strings

WPML String Translation allows you to translate strings directly from your WordPress admin dashboard. This includes strings from your theme, such as navigation labels, widget titles, and error messages, as well as strings from plugins, such as form labels, buttons, and notifications.

2. Translation Management

The plugin provides a translation management interface where you can easily manage all the strings that need translation on your website. You can filter strings based on their status (translated, untranslated, waiting for translation) and assign translation tasks to translators.

3. Compatibility with Popular Themes and Plugins

WPML String Translation is compatible with many popular WordPress themes and plugins, ensuring that you can translate strings from a wide range of sources. It works seamlessly with custom themes, page builders, WooCommerce, Gravity Forms, Contact Form 7, and many others.

4. String Localization

The plugin automatically detects strings in your theme and plugins that need translation and presents them in the translation management interface. This makes it easy to identify which strings need to be translated and ensures that no text is left untranslated on your website.

5. Translation Memory

WPML String Translation includes a translation memory feature that stores translations for re-use. This helps streamline the translation process by suggesting previously translated strings when similar strings are encountered, saving time and effort for translators.

Getting Started with WPML String Translation

Installation and Activation

To get started with WPML String Translation, follow these steps:

1. Purchase and download the WPML plugin from the WPML website.
2. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
3. Navigate to the “Plugins” section and click on “Add New.”
4. Upload the WPML plugin zip file and click on “Install Now.”
5. Once the installation is complete, activate the WPML plugin.

Configuration and Setup

After activating WPML, you’ll need to configure its settings:

1. Follow the on-screen setup wizard to configure your language settings, including the default language of your website and the languages you want to support.
2. Enable the String Translation module from the WPML settings page.
3. Configure the translation options for your strings, including the translation editor, translation management, and string localization settings.

Translating Strings

Once WPML String Translation is set up, you can start translating strings:

1. Navigate to the String Translation section under the WPML menu in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Browse the list of strings that need translation or use the search and filter options to find specific strings.
3. Click on the string you want to translate and enter the translation in the provided text box.
4. Save your translation and repeat the process for other strings that need translation.

Best Practices and Tips

To make the most of WPML String Translation and create a seamless multilingual experience for your website visitors, consider the following best practices:

1.Regularly Update Translations: Keep translations up to date with any changes to your website’s content, themes, or plugins to ensure consistency across languages.

2.Use Translation Services: Consider using professional translation services or hiring translators to ensure high-quality translations, especially for important content.

3.Optimize String Management: Organize strings into logical groups and use descriptive names to make it easier to manage and find strings that need translation.

4.Test Translations: Test translated strings on your website to ensure that they display correctly and make sense in the context of your content and design.

5.Engage with Translation Community: Leverage the WPML community forums and support resources to get help with translation issues and learn from other users’ experiences.

Conclusion

WPML String Translation is a valuable component of the WPML plugin suite that enables you to create multilingual WordPress websites by translating strings from themes, plugins, and other parts of your website. By following best practices and leveraging the features of WPML String Translation, you can provide a seamless and intuitive multilingual experience for your website visitors, regardless of their language preferences. Embrace the power of WPML String Translation and unlock the full potential of multilingualism for your WordPress website.