Skip to content Skip to sidebar

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

Problem:
The client was attempting to import a glossary via WPML into their site but encountered an error. The main issues were related to the CSV file format, specifically incorrect headers, special characters, and possibly incorrect file encoding.

Solution:
We advised the client to ensure the CSV file was properly formatted before import. Here are the steps we recommended:
1. Ensure the CSV headers match the language codes (e.g., EN, EN_US) and include a 'Description' column if used.
2. Verify that each row contains the term in the default language and that other language columns are filled or left empty if no translation is available.
3. Save the file as CSV UTF-8 to avoid encoding issues.
4. Remove any extra spaces, line breaks, or special characters from the headers and cells.
5. Use the 'Export glossary' function in WPML to download a correctly formatted CSV file as a template.
6. Re-import the glossary via WPML → Translation Dashboard → Translation Tools → Glossary → Import glossary.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, we recommend opening a new support ticket for further assistance. It's also advisable to check the related known issues and ensure all themes and plugins are updated to their latest versions. If further help is needed, please contact our support 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.

This topic contains 22 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 6 hours, 51 minutes ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
September 23, 2025 at 1:48 pm #17425761

Rob Coers

I misunderstood. Importing still gives the error. Here is the test file in CSV UTF-8 format so you can try.

hidden link

2025-09-23_15-37-58.jpg
September 24, 2025 at 8:55 am #17428083

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Good morning Rob,
Thank you for your messages

I was able to reproduce the issue in a sandbox site with a fresh new WordPress + WPML installation, which means that there is a bug with this configuration.

Our 2nd-tier specialists will take a deeper look at this issue, and I will get back to you as soon as I get more information from them.

Thank you very much for your patience and understanding!

September 24, 2025 at 7:45 pm #17430040

Rob Coers

Thanks Carlos & team. I appreciate your work.
Rob

September 25, 2025 at 7:11 am #17430776

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

We are happy to help 🙂

October 6, 2025 at 9:29 am #17459070

Rob Coers

Hi there Carlos,
Have you heard from the developers about this ticket?

Rob

October 6, 2025 at 11:11 am #17459799

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hi Rob,
Yes, they are already working on this issue.

I will get back to you as soon as I get more information from them.

October 8, 2025 at 10:21 am #17466729

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hi Rob,

The CSV you shared (see attached image) contains an incorrect first row with 'Column 1, Column 2, etc'....

If you remove this row, you will be able to import the terms in the glossary.

17425655-2025_09_23_15_23_27.jpg
October 8, 2025 at 2:20 pm #17467651

Rob Coers

Thank you. I ended up not importing, since the CSV is not very easy to use.
Thank you for the help though.
Rob

October 8, 2025 at 2:22 pm #17467696

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hi Rob,
I understand.

But please don't hesitate to contact us if you need our help in the future with WPML. We are here to help 🙂

Have an excellent day!