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Using XLIFF Files in WPML

Tomer Helzer
Updated
February 12, 2025

Learn how to download XLIFF files, send them to external translators, and upload them back into WordPress with WPML.

XLIFF files help you place the content you want to translate into one, organized file. Once created, you can send this file for translation, and then import it back into your website once it’s translated. 

With WPML, you can easily use XLIFF files for translating your WordPress site.

Configure XLIFF Files

WPML allows you to control the XLIFF version and which elements to include in it. This ensures that the generated file is compliant with the XLIFF standard.

To edit XLIFF options, go to WPML → Settings and scroll down to XLIFF file options.

XLIFF file options
XLIFF file options

Add Notes in Your XLIFF Files 

To assist translators, WPML lets you include notes directly within your XLIFF files. You can add notes via Translation Management when choosing content for translation.

Adding notes for translators in Translation Management
Adding notes to XLIFF files in Translation Management

How to Download and Upload XLIFF Files

To download XLIFF files for translation jobs: 

  1. Go to WPML → Translations.
  2. Select the jobs you want to download XLIFF files for.
  3. Open the actions dropdown, choose the XLIFF version you want to export to, and click Apply. 
Selecting translation jobs to download XLIFF files for
Selecting translation jobs to download XLIFF files for

To upload XLIFF files: 

  1. Go to WPML → Translations and scroll down to the Import / Export XLIFF section.
  2. Click the Select File button and import your XLIFF files.  
Uploading XLIFF files
Uploading XLIFF files

How to Edit Translations You Upload via XLIFF Files

To edit translations you upload via XLIFF files, you need to use WPML’s Classic Translation Editor: 

  1. Go to WPML → Settings and scroll down to Translation Editor.
  2. Under Editor for new translations, select Classic Translation Editor.
  3. Next, go to WPML → Translations and click to edit the page you want to make changes to. The Classic Translation Editor will open.
Editing translations in Classic Translation Editor
Editing translations in Classic Translation Editor
  1. Edit your translations and Save.

How to Send XLIFF Files to Your Translators

WPML lets you include XLIFF files in the email notifications your translators receive when a new job is waiting for them. 

To include XLIFF files in your email notifications: 

  1. Go to WPML → Settings and switch to the Translation Notifications tab.
  2. Enable the Include XLIFF files in the notification emails option and click Save.