Skip to content Skip to sidebar

Getting Started with WPML

This guide will walk you through setting up WPML and making your site multilingual. We’ll cover the setup, as well as how to translate the site’s content.

Install WPML and Add Languages

Make sure your site meets WPML’s minimum requirements and then follow these steps:

  • Download and install OTGS Installer from the WPML Downloads page.
  • In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins → Add New, upload and activate the OTGS Installer plugin.
  • The OTGS Installer will guide you through:
    • Registering WPML with your site key.
    • Installing the required WPML components based on the plugins you’re using.
  • After installation, go to WPML and start the setup wizard to:
    • Set the default language.
    • Add the languages you want your site to support.
    • Choose how visitors will switch languages (via a menu, widget, or footer switcher).
    • Set up AI and human translation.

Translating with WPML

Your site includes Content and Menus. WPML lets you translate both.

Translating Content

WPML’s Translation Dashboard lets you translate posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, widgets, sidebars and strings.

Go to WPML → Translation Dashboard from the main menu, or click the Translation Dashboard button in the Language section when editing content.

The Translation Dashboard provides one convenient screen to translate all content. No need to visit different parts of the admin for each element. You can send everything you want for translation in one go, reducing clicks and saving time.

It supports all translation workflows: use AI translation, translate yourself, work with your own translators, or hire professionals.

If you choose AI translation, you’ll see the exact cost before proceeding. Of course, you can always edit the AI translations.

Translating Menus

WPML offers flexible ways to translate the menus on your site. Read the documentation on translating menus to see what’s best for you.

Customize WPML

Fine-tune WPML for your site:

Add a Language Switcher

Place it in the menu, footer, or widgets.

Set URL Format

Choose how translated pages appear (directories, parameters, etc.)

Translate Custom Post Types

Decide which custom post types to translate.

Translate Categories and Taxonomies

Translate tags, categories, and custom taxonomies.

Building Successful Multilingual Sites

Want more traffic and better results?

Check out these proven tips from real WPML users to make your multilingual site simple, effective, and easier to grow.

Amir
Updated
August 27, 2025