Export ACF field translation settings - and import into copy of site

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
You have set up a development copy of your live site and want to ensure that the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) translation settings configured on the dev site can be exported and then imported into the live site without having to redo the settings. You are concerned whether the import will update the existing ACF fields on the live site or create new ones.
Solution:
We have tested and confirmed that exporting ACF field translation settings from a development site and importing them into a live site works effectively. The import process updates existing ACF groups and fields, provided they share the same names and other identifiers. However, we recommend that you double-check and confirm the settings after completing the import to ensure everything is configured correctly.

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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Boris 22 hours, 32 minutes ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author	Posts
April 3, 2025 at 2:15 pm #16892835
Boris	Background of the issue: I have made a development copy of the live site where everything ACF is 100% the same. I want to set up WPML on the dev site to ensure the process runs smoothly before setting it up on the live site. There are many ACF groups and fields, and I want to avoid setting translation settings twice as all ACF groups require expert translation mode. I plan to set them on the dev site, export the field translation settings, and import them on the live site. Symptoms: I am unsure if importing the ACF export from the dev site will update the existing ACF fields on the live site with translation settings or import a new set of ACF groups and fields. Questions: Is it possible to export ACF field translation settings from the dev site and import them into the live site? Will importing the ACF export update existing ACF groups on the live site with translation settings from the JSON import?
April 7, 2025 at 7:42 am #16902590
Dražen Supporter Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+02:00)	Hello, Thanks for contacting us. 1) Yes, I just tested and ACF import/export works fine, and also set translation settings. 2) I tested and it works like that yes, it updates existing groups and fields, if they share same name etc. But I would re-check and confirm this after import. Regards, Drazen
April 7, 2025 at 8:52 am #16902984
Boris	Hi Drazen, thank you very much, great that it works! Of course, I will definitely check afterward :-). Kind regards, Boris