This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client needed help with importing multilingual content using WPML but encountered an issue with an expired support ticket link. Solution: We recommended using WP All Import Pro for multilingual imports as the free version lacks necessary functionalities. If the client needs to create taxonomies, they should import and create these first before importing translated content. We provided detailed documentation on preparing and importing multilingual files:
Alternatively, the client can use the built-in WordPress Export tool along with the official WordPress Importer plugin or other supported tools listed in our documentation. It is crucial to prepare the import file correctly to include necessary language and translation relationship information. For further guidance, refer to:
If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, please check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If further assistance is needed, we highly recommend opening a new support ticket at WPML support forum.
This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.
Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.
i had a ticket open and you were emailing me about it
now when I click it says LINK EXPIRED
I need help to solve this - I got the debug info as requested and now I have no ticket
Please i need to solve this urgently
I opened a ticket earlier and was talking to the AI bot
now it's gone, not sure why
original ask was
The Export & Import plugin functionality doesn't appear after .csv upload.
Headings/info on csv seem to be correct based on any instructions I find.
We need to match 1_EN.csv to the FR versions 2_FR.csv
hidden link
I have the files to show but I can't upload
I followed the steps below from AI and it didn't help
I have another ticket open, I want Mike (mike.barry@nerdsonsite.com) to actually open the ticket but I can't get him on. he's my developer
Since you're using the WPML Export and Import plugin, the most common cause of it not appearing/activating after a CSV upload is missing language columns in the CSV files themselves. Let's verify those first.
Open both your
1_EN.csv
and
2_FR.csv
files and confirm each contains these three columns:
_wpml_import_translation_group
— a shared numeric ID that links each EN row to its FR counterpart. This value must be identical for the same piece of content across both files.
_wpml_import_language_code
— the language code for each row:
en
in the EN file,
fr
in the FR file.
_wpml_import_source_language_code
— the original language. Leave this empty for EN rows; set it to
en
for FR rows.
Open both files in a spreadsheet editor and confirm all three columns are present with values populated correctly — particularly that the
_wpml_import_translation_group
ID is the same number for matching EN and FR rows.
The "Export and Import" menu under WPML is not missing, but the functionality is missing. The plugin remains at the import phase and doesn't allow the imported articles to switcth to the correct language.
The Heroic plugin also offers an import option. WE tried that as well unsuccessfully.
1. A sample of 1_EN.csv
2. A sample of 2_FR.csv
3. Which import tool is being used:
* WP All Import Pro
* WP Import Export
* WordPress Importer
* Another importer
4. Screenshots of:
* The CSV column headers
* The import field mapping screen
* WPML → Export and Import page after the import completes
Could you please verify that both CSV files contain the following columns?
Thank you for providing the screenshots. I have reviewed them.
The key to a successful import is using a unique identifier. I noticed that your current import configuration is not using a unique identifier suitable for matching translations.
At the moment, you are using the Title and ID fields. However, these values differ between the original and translated posts.
Instead, I recommend using _wpml_import_translation_group as the unique identifier. This field is designed specifically to link original content with its translations and should remain consistent across the translation group.
I have attached a screenshot for your reference.
Please try the following steps:
1. Start a new import.
2. Import the English file first.
* Select the correct language.
* Use _wpml_import_translation_group as the unique identifier.
* Complete the import.
3. Import the French file using the same unique identifier and matching configuration.
4. Once both imports are complete, go to WPML → Export and Import and check whether you can process further.
Please let me know how it goes after testing this approach.
I would like to provide an update, as there are important points:
- You will need to use WP All Import Pro, as the free version does not support the functionality required for multilingual imports with WPML.
- The two import files will need to be combined into a single import file. The second file is only necessary if you also need to create taxonomies. In that case, the taxonomies should be imported and created first before importing the translated content.
Please review the following documentation, which explains the required file structure and import process in detail:
These guides include examples of how to prepare multilingual import files and correctly associate original content with its translations during the import process.
Is there any other way of importing that does incur extra costs?
We don't have any other need for the Pro plugin.
We need to transfer Echo KB Articles over to a new temp site using the Heroic KB plugin. Then need to relink the EN/FR articles.
Yes, you do not need to use WP All Import Pro specifically. You can also use the built-in WordPress Export tool together with the official WordPress Importer plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-importer/
Alternatively, you can use any of the other supported import/export tools listed here:
The most important part is preparing your import file correctly according to WPML’s requirements. The CSV must include the necessary language and translation relationship information so that WPML can properly connect original content with its translations.
