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

Problem:
The client wants to translate the link to a PDF document using ACF and WPML. The URL of the PDF is stored in an ACF field, but it does not appear in the Advanced Translation Editor when searching for "http". The media translation addon was installed and the PDF translated, but the translation is not showing up. The client tried using "Link" and "URL" field types without success, and while the "File" field type works, it does not meet the client's needs for variable link targets.

Solution:
We recommend checking if the translation option "same field across language" is enabled in ACF. If so, the "URL" and "Link" field types are automatically set to copy, which means they won't appear in the Translation Editor as they cannot be edited. To resolve this, switch to "Expert" mode and set the field to translate. This should make the field appear in the Translation Editor. For more information, please refer to our documentation on recommended custom fields translation preferences for ACF and WPML, and expert translation option.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Laura 6 months ago.

Assisted by: Laura.

Author Posts
October 23, 2023 at 11:49 am #14637715

danielS-158

We want to translate a PDF document on an Elementor page using ACF and WPML.

The URL of the PDF is stored in an ACF field.
In advanced translation manager the URL of the PDF does not show up, even not when searching for "http".
The media translation addon was installed and the PDF translated. Still the translation is not showing up.

As ACF field type we tried "Link" and "URL". Both not working.
When using the field type "File" the translation (set in media translation) does show up.

Since the link target should be variable, we cannot use the ACF file type "File" here. We need the possibility to link to any URL (file, internal and external website).

We might also need to translate an external URL (like hidden link, hidden link, ...) and not only files.

How can we achieve this?

Kind regards,
Daniel

October 24, 2023 at 10:36 am #14646349

Laura
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

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

Hi,

thanks for contacting us.

Please provide us with your debug info https://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support/

October 24, 2023 at 2:08 pm #14648471

danielS-158

Added debug info

October 24, 2023 at 5:11 pm #14650031

Laura
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano )

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

Are you using the translation option "same field across language" in ACF?

If that's the case, both "URL" and "Link" field type are automatically set to copy (see https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/recommended-custom-fields-translation-preferences-for-acf-and-wpml/#basic-fields) and if a field is set to copy it doesn't appear in the Translation Editor because you can't edit it.

You should try switching to "Expert" mode and set the field to translate, it should appear in the Translation Editor. See https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/expert-translation-option/

Please let me know if it works for you or if you need further assistance

October 26, 2023 at 9:25 am #14668567

danielS-158

Thank you very much. With Expert mode the issue is solved.

Media Translation could be deactivated, since it is not needed.

danielS-158 confirmed that the issue was resolved on 2023-10-26 09:25:28.
This ticket is now closed. If you're a WPML client and need related help, please open a new support ticket.