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

Problem:
The client is trying to translate media to English, but most of their media are originally in English due to a possible error during migration from Polylang. They need to change the original language for media and link English images to their French counterparts without re-uploading them.
Solution:
We explained that currently, there is no way to change the original language of media in WPML. If the client needs to use different images in different languages, they should upload the image they want to switch in WPML -> Media Translation. We also advised that if they switched the image in WPML -> Media Translation after the post had been translated, they need to make a small change in the original language post and update it. This will trigger a change in the translation, and after updating the translation, the new image should appear. We recommended clearing any site caching after these changes. Additionally, we provided a link to our Media Translation guide for further assistance:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/

If this solution is not relevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case, we encourage you to open a new support ticket. We highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If you need further assistance, please contact us in the WPML support forum: https://wpml.org/forums/forum/english-support/.

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 3 voices.

Last updated by Itamar 7 months, 2 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Itamar.

Author Posts
April 5, 2024 at 10:33 am #15487436

victorM-56

Tell us what you are trying to do?
I try to translate media to english
But 99% of my media are in english original.
Maybe an error when I migrate from Polylang.

How can I change original language for media ?

Thanks

April 5, 2024 at 12:42 pm #15488217

Laura
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+01:00)

Hi,

thanks for contacting us.

Currently there's no way to change original language of Media, but usually this is not an issue unless you need to use different images in different languages.

Can you please provide us with some screenshot to show how this is an issue?

April 5, 2024 at 2:06 pm #15488487

victorM-56

Hello Laura,

I need to change some image in english (from French).

For example here : hidden link

The book cover or the map (with Kirghizistan) are in French for example.

April 7, 2024 at 3:57 pm #15491833

Itamar
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Hebrew (עברית )

Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

Hi,

I'll continue to help you with this issue.

I can see the problem on the example link you provided.

Please know that if you switched the image in WPML -> Media translation after the post had been translated, it would not show in the post in English. You need to make a small change in the French post and press the Update button. This will trigger a change to the translation (you will see the circled arrow icon.) Then, update the translation and check. If you are using caching on your site, clear the caching and check.

You mentioned that you migrated from Polylang.

Were the images already switched when you used Polylang?

Regards,
Itamar.

April 7, 2024 at 4:41 pm #15491855

victorM-56

With Polylang, I did 2 sub-folders : one for french images and one for english images.
All english image are already updated.
But I can not link them to the french corresponded image.
They ask me to upload new file on WPML media translation.
Is there any way to link images already uploaded ?
Thanks

April 7, 2024 at 5:19 pm #15491856

Itamar
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Hebrew (עברית )

Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem (GMT+02:00)

Hi,

With WPML's Media translation, you must upload the image you want to switch in WPML -> Media translation. I'm sorry, but there is no way to link existing images in your media library. Please read our Media translation guide here.

https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/

Regards,
Itamar.