Building Multilingual Sites Using the Genesis Framework and WPML

Updated: May 2, 2022

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Follow this tutorial to learn how to build multilingual websites using the Genesis Framework, any Genesis child theme, and WPML.

Getting Started

Start by installing and activating the following:

Genesis Framework parent theme
Genesis child theme
WPML core plugin, WPML String Translation and WPML Media Translation add-ons

If you’re new to WPML, check out our Getting Started Guide. It quickly walks you through different translation options you can use.

Translating Posts and Pages

With WPML, you can choose from two translation modes to translate your site’s content:

The Translate Everything mode translates your site’s content as you add or edit it.
The Translate Some mode allows you to decide what content to translate, and who will translate it. Choose from translating content by yourself, assigning it to an individual translator, or hiring a professional translation agency.

In the example below, we are translating a page by ourselves from the Language box on the page:

Clicking the plus icon to translate a page

Clicking the plus icon takes you to the Advanced Translation Editor. If you have translation credits, you can translate your content automatically. If not, enter your translations manually and click Complete once you’re done.

Translating a page in the Advanced Translation Editor

To translate your content in bulk, see our guide to translating posts, pages, and custom post types from the Translation Management Dashboard.

Translating Custom Post Types

You can translate custom post types in the same way you would translate posts and pages. To learn more, see our documentation page about translating custom post types.

Translating Categories and Custom Taxonomies

WPML allows you to translate categories and tags in different ways. To find your preferred method, see our guide to translating post categories and custom taxonomies.

Translating the Genesis SEO settings

Genesis Framework comes with powerful Search Engine Optimization settings. You can access the general SEO settings by going to Genesis → SEO Settings.

You can also set SEO settings for individual posts or pages from your post or page editing screen. This includes the Document Title, Meta Description, and Meta Keywords. When you use the Advanced Translation Editor to translate a post or page, any SEO fields assigned to your content will also be available for translation.

If you are using the Translate Everything mode, WPML will automatically translate all of your SEO fields.

Translating Texts From Genesis Theme, Plugins and Other Places

Besides the content coming from posts and pages on your site, there are usually some texts coming from other places. These texts usually come from your theme and plugins.

To learn how to translate these texts, read our documentation page about String Translation.

Translating Menus

With WPML, you can translate your menus automatically, manually, or sync them across all your languages. For more information, please see our guide to translating menus.

Known Issues

Right now, there are no unresolved compatibility issues between this theme and WPML. Search all known issues.

Getting Help

In case you need help translating your site built using Genesis Framework and WPML, visit WPML’s support forum.

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