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

Problem:
The client operates a multi-site with instances in four languages and uses WooCommerce. They want to switch to WPML to simplify management but need to know how to export and import language data that isn't initially created with WPML.
Solution:
We recommend using WordPress's export feature to export the content and then using the WPML Import/Export Plugin for importing it into another site. Since the content isn’t linked as translations, it won’t automatically import as translations. To link the imported content as translations, you can:
1. Before Import: Export the content from all sites and manually add language information to the exported data. More details on preparing the data can be found here: Preparing Import Files for WPML Export and Import.
2. After Import: Link the pages and posts after the import by following the steps here: How to Link Already Translated Pages.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, please check the related known issues at WPML Known Issues, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. We highly recommend opening a new support ticket if further assistance is needed. You can do so here: WPML Support Forum.

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This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Shekhar Bhandari 9 months, 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Shekhar Bhandari.

Author Posts
September 17, 2024 at 9:44 pm #16190765

robinH-21

Background of the issue:
We currently operate a multi-site with 4 instances for four languages (DE, EN, NL, FR). WooCommerce is installed on all websites. We maintain all instances/stores individually. When a new product is added, we create it on all websites in the respective language required. We want to switch to WPML to simplify everything.

Symptoms:
No specific issue or error message mentioned.

Questions:
Is there an easy way to export the languages (which are currently not made with WPML on the websites, but are simply in the text/database) and then import them on the new website with WPML?

September 18, 2024 at 3:01 am #16190966

Shekhar Bhandari
WPML Supporter since 03/2015

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Kathmandu (GMT+05:45)

Hello 🙂

Welcome to WPML support!

You can use WordPress's export feature to export the content and the WPML Import/Export Plugin to import it into another site.

However, since the content isn’t linked as translations of each other, it won’t automatically be imported as translations. To resolve this, we need to manually link the imported content as translations, which can be done in two ways:

Before Import:
Before importing, you can export the content from all sites and manually add language information to the exported data. You can find more details about how to prepare the data here: https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/wpml-export-and-import/preparing-import-files-for-wpml-export-and-import/.

Once the data is properly linked, you can proceed with the import process as explained here: https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/wpml-export-and-import/.

After Import:
You can also link the pages and posts after the import by following the steps mentioned here: https://wpml.org/faq/how-to-link-already-translated-pages/.

Let me know if this helps.

Thanks!

September 18, 2024 at 8:07 am #16191508

robinH-21

Good morning Shekhar,

thank you for your fast and detailed reply!

I will have a look at this and try it out.

Best regards
Robin