This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: You have been using WPML to manage multilingual sites and have encountered an issue where duplicated template files (headers/footers) are not managed independently with the new block editor. When you edit the default language, all translations are overwritten with the default language. Solution: If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend you try the following steps: 1. Create a template in the default language. 2. Navigate to WPML-> Translation Management. 3. Send this template to translation. 4. Translate the template using the translation editor. 5. Return to WPML-> Translation Management. 6. Filter by the secondary language. 7. Hover on the translated template name and click edit.
This workflow should help you manage duplicated templates independently. If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, please check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest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. We highly recommend opening a new support ticket if the problem persists. You can do so at WPML support forum.
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<b>Background of the issue: </b>
I have used WPML for many years to manage multilingual sites. My workflow involves developing a site in a default language, creating new menus for each language, and duplicating all pages to manage them independently. This worked well with old themes, but with the new block editor, the duplicated template files (headers/footers) are not managed independently and are overwritten when I edit the default language.
<b>Symptoms: </b>
When I edit the default language (header/footer), all translations are overwritten with the default language.
<b>Questions: </b>
How can I use WPML to manage duplicated templates (headers/footers) independently with FSE themes?
Is there a way to manage template parts independently, similar to how pages can be managed?
Is there any documentation on how to duplicate and then use templates independently from each other?
<b>Additional info </b>
I duplicate templates, template parts etc from the "Translation management" in WPML. So all is working fine, i can update for each lanugage. But (as said) as soon as I update the default language the duplicates are restored to default language. So they are not "independent" like pages.
Thanks for contacting WPML forums support. I'll be glad to help you today.
1) Please send the templates to translation after duplicating them to break the duplication.
After that, try to edit the templates independently in each language.
2) Could you please share your Debug information with me?
You can read a detailed explanation about it here. (http://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support)
The debug info will give me a lot of information about how your site is configured.
Instead of breaking the synced duplication by activating translation for the template parts (as you instructed), I went into every language and "restored" the language template part. This will do the same thing? I do not want to have lots of unfinished translations lingering and slowing down the site. At least it works now, but will this work after updates etc. And what if I have to edit the main template (default language). Will this overwrite template parts in other languages again?
I have to say this all feels a bit odd. WPML is a premium plugin, and you have to read tons of articles (often 3rd party) just to get WPML to work with a standard FSE theme (and no big extra plugins installed). WPML should work ootb with the standard theme shipped with WordPress (or any similar FSE theme). Now you have to create local copies of every template just for WPML to "see" them before you can manage them. After that you need to duplicate template parts in WPML and then turn off sync by some ad hoc method not really documented anywhere. Sure, wordpress in developing their block editor fast, and you often have to stress ready an update. But WPML should at least provide some relevant docs/KBs related to how WordPress works 2024. Not 2023.
Also, i cannot activate the "WPML String translation" plugin. When I do, nothing shows up in the the WPML translation queue. No big problem since i only want to use WPML for SEO and navigation with independent translations. But you should be aware. Also, I had to inactivate and reactivate "WPML Multilingual CMS" before any local templates showed up at all. It all feels very NOT ready for latest WordPress 6.6.
I'm being asked by the friendly robot if I'm in need of any further assistance. Well, tell me, since as far as I can understand WPML do not support independent translation for FSE themes, that is WPML does not support this work flow for the standard theme shipped with WordPress. Also, I still seek guidance how WPML treats duplicated template parts after the link has been broken. It's not a solution to "translate" pages you do not want to translate, just to keep the sync active. Do you have any roadmap related to all this? Or will WPML become one of these old plugins not surviving the new FSE WordPress era?
Please check the following steps if you want to edit the translated templates using the WP editor:
1- Create a template in the default language
2- Go to WPML-> Translation Management
3- Send this template to translation
4- Translate the template using the translation editor
5- Go to WPML-> Translation Management
6- Filter by the secondary language
7- Hover on the translated template name and click edit
Kindly login to this hidden link">sandbox site, try the above steps, and let me know if this workflow achieves what you need.
