Skip Navigation

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

Problem:
If you're using WPML with WordPress, Elementor, and the Elementor Pro Form widget, and you notice that when translating a form's dropdown field into Italian, the options appear incorrectly as a single string instead of separate lines, resulting in a broken dropdown.
Solution:
We are aware of this issue and it has been escalated to our developers. A fix is planned for a future release of WPML. You can track updates on this issue by visiting the errata page: Elementor Form Widget Select Field Breaks When Translated with CTE.
In the meantime, we recommend using the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE). If you prefer not to use ATE, you can opt for a manual translation approach. For guidance on using different translation editors, please visit: Using Different Translation Editors for Different Pages.

Please note that this solution might be irrelevant if it's outdated or not applicable to your case. We highly recommend 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. If the issue persists, please open 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.

Tagged: 

This topic contains 5 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Dražen 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author Posts
May 13, 2025 at 7:32 am #17025428

Thomas Maier

Background of the issue:
I’m using WPML together with WordPress, Elementor, and the Elementor Pro Form widget. I’ve created a form that includes a dropdown field with multiple options (each option on its own line). In the default language (English), everything displays correctly. However, when I translate the form into Italian using WPML (via the Advanced Translation Editor or String Translation), the dropdown options appear incorrectly. Instead of showing each option on a new line as a proper tag, the entire translation appears as a single string, with tags separating the values. The result is a broken dropdown where all the options are merged into one. I am open to using XML config if needed to define translatable fields.

Symptoms:
The translated dropdown options appear as a single string with tags instead of separate tags, resulting in a broken dropdown.

Questions:
Could you please advise how to properly translate select dropdown fields so that each option appears correctly in the translated form?

May 13, 2025 at 7:40 am #17025563

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hello,

As you were inactive, I have converted the chat a ticket.

I created a minimal installation of WordPress, WPML, and all necessary WPML add-ons and themes.

You can access the WordPress dashboard using the link below:

- hidden link

Try to replicate the issue with a simple example page.

This will help us to report the probable issue to the compatibility team and solve the possible problem faster.

Regards,

Drazen

May 13, 2025 at 7:57 am #17025672

Thomas Maier

I used the advanced translation editor and now it works... please fix it also for the old translation editor as i prefer that one and dont like the advanced translation editor.

May 13, 2025 at 8:15 am #17025821

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hello,

This a known issue and already escalated to our devs, we will be fixing it in the next versions. You can follow the next errata link for any updates:

https://wpml.org/errata/elementor-form-widget-select-field-breaks-when-translated-with-cte/

Regards,
Drazen

May 13, 2025 at 8:38 am #17025867

Thomas Maier

when will this be fixed? as the ATE is verry buggy and takes 10 times longer to load so i prefer to avoid the ATE as it is not usable in my opinion.

May 13, 2025 at 9:00 am #17026100

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

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

Hello,

I am afraid I can not share any ETA, but the fix is scheduled for WPML 4.8., which may take more then few months.

For now, we suggest using ATE or if you do not wish, you can always usethe manual approach in the meantime:

- https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-different-translation-editors-for-different-pages/

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Drazen