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

Problem:
If you're experiencing issues where the translation method element is unclickable in the WordPress sidebar when trying to translate a product, it might be due to the translation method settings.
Solution:
First, check the translation method for the product in the WordPress sidebar. If it's set to "WordPress Editor" and you wish to use the WPML Translation Editor, you need to change this setting to "WPML Translation Editor".
Additionally, if you are using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) on this product, ensure that the ACF field groups are set to "Same fields across languages". This setting is necessary to use the WPML Translation Editor effectively. If your ACF field groups are set to "Different fields across languages", you will need to use the WordPress Editor as your translation method. For more detailed guidance on translating ACF fields, visit Translate sites built with ACF.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also highly suggest 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. For further assistance, please contact us at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 19 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by ziga pipan 2 months ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author Posts
August 8, 2025 at 5:14 pm #17306060

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Then there should be no issue with my earlier suggestion.

You will just not be able to enable the WPML Translation Editor as the translation method as long as you use the setting "Same fields across languages" for at least one of the field groups that is assigned to your products.

August 11, 2025 at 12:30 pm #17309749

ziga pipan

So I have 50 products translated all using ACF fields (also video url fields).

When I switch to expert mode, my previous products will stay translated, including video url fields? Just want to clear that out. For old products, I don't care if CTA is used or WordPress editor... Just want them to remain untouched.

August 12, 2025 at 2:36 pm #17313999

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Honestly, it is hard to say, as this depends on many factors. The Classic Translation Editor does not have an internal translation memory.

If you have not yet created any translations inside the WordPress Editor, and the original content has not been changed since the last translation, then you should see the expected translation when switching back to the Classic Translation Editor.

I would suggest you give it a test.

August 14, 2025 at 1:27 pm #17321165

ziga pipan

Did this and it seem to work ok, but now my translations don't copy over the main attribute. Not sure if this is related to this, I opened another ticket

https://wpml.org/forums/topic/1-out-of-15-attributes-did-not-copy-to-translation-thus-no-variations-can-be-made/

August 14, 2025 at 2:22 pm #17321306

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Hello,

I am glad to hear that we sorted the ACF issue.

The issue regarding product attributes will be handled on the new ticket.

Best regards
Andreas

August 14, 2025 at 2:39 pm #17321389

ziga pipan

thank you