[Resolved] Questions about Translation Costs and Automation in WPML
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is using WPML for their website and has questions regarding the costs of translating sentences with variable attributes, the automation of translations for new content, and whether numerical values are excluded from translation costs. Solution: 1. WPML utilizes a translation memory, which means you won't be charged for sentences that are identical to those already translated. For more details, visit how WPML keeps track of your translations. 2. If you use the "Translate everything automatically" option in WPML > Settings, WPML will translate any new content when changes occur. However, this might consume many credits if there's a lot of new or final content. Alternatively, the "Translate what you choose" setting allows more control, letting you select specific content for translation. 3. For sentences with variable attributes like [Scale], each unique sentence is considered new and will be charged unless it matches an existing entry in the translation memory. Sentences need to be 100% identical to be reused from memory without charge. 4. WPML does not translate or charge for numerical values like years or dimensions, as these are recognized as non-translatable and reused from the translation memory.
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Background of the issue:
I am using WPML for my site hidden link and have questions about translation costs and automation features. I have a template sentence with variable attributes for translation and want to automate translations for products, categories, and blog posts.
Symptoms:
No specific issue or error message mentioned.
Questions:
How will I be charged for translating a sentence with variable attributes like brand, scale, and manufacturer? Will I pay for each unique combination or only once?
If I have 5,000 products, do I only need to translate a subset of unique combinations, with the rest being reused and free of charge?
How can I automate translations for new products, categories, and blog posts into all active languages?
How can I ensure that the homepage is always automatically translated when changes are made to the default language?
If you enable the "Translate everything automatically" option in WPML > Settings, WPML will attempt to translate any new content whenever changes occur on that specific page. However, keep in mind that this setting will also lead WPML to search for any existing untranslated content and translate it. This could consume many credits, and you might find yourself uncertain about specific pages (especially if the content is final) or not wanting to translate some pages at all.
I personally prefer the "Translate what you choose" setting because it allows me full control to send only the content I want for automatic translation.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if anything is still unclear.
Thank you for your message. However, I would like to receive a comprehensive response, as the settings and assumptions for my website depend on this clarification. Currently, I have over 5,000 products, and the plan is to translate the site into more than 15 languages. Therefore, every word matters.
To ensure clarity, I have broken my questions into distinct sections:
Question 1: Translation Costs for Text with Variables
I have prepared a fixed product description template, with certain attributes being replaced dynamically.
Example text:
*This collectible diecast model car by [Manufacturer] is an impressive [Scale] scale replica of a [Brand] vehicle from [Year], meticulously crafted with high-quality [Material]. This model, in [Condition] condition, is perfect for both seasoned collectors and passionate car enthusiasts.
Designed with exceptional attention to detail, this diecast model captures the essence of the original vehicle, making it a standout piece in any diecast car collection. Whether you’re expanding your [Scale] scale model car collection or searching for a unique gift, this meticulously crafted model offers authenticity and elegance. For your convenience, the product code [Product code] ensures easy identification and reference.
Don't miss out on adding this exceptional model to your collection today!*
The attributes in square brackets ([...]) are dynamically replaced with values such as 1/18, Metal, or specific brands like Ferrari.
Here’s my key question:
If the [Scale] attribute only has two options (e.g., 1/18 or 1/43), will WPML calculate the cost for the entire sentence each time, or will it recognize that only the attribute is changing?
Similarly, for [Material], with two fixed options, will it reuse translations instead of charging credits repeatedly?
The most significant concern is [Brand] and [Manufacturer], which might have 20 and 40 variants, respectively.
If [Brand] and [Manufacturer] appear in at least 20 and 40 different combinations, will WPML:
Charge credits for translating the entire sentence every time?
Translate the text once and reuse it based on memory for all combinations?
Calculate costs based on all unique combinations (e.g., 20x40)?
In summary, what would be the cost of translating this text if [Brand] appears in 20 versions and [Manufacturer] in 40?
Question 2: Translation of Identical Product Titles
When translating products, I currently do not translate product titles, so WPML displays them in their original language.
For example:
Product Title: Rolls Royce Phantom VII EWB Diamond & Black Kyosho 1/18
If the title remains the same across all languages, will WPML consume credits to process this translation?
Additionally, does the same logic apply to:
Product titles
Image alt texts
Other identical metadata (e.g., slugs)?
In my opinion, no credits should be used since the title remains identical across all languages (e.g., "Rolls Royce Phantom VII EWB Diamond & Black Kyosho 1/18" in both English and French). Please confirm if this is correct.
Question 3: Partial Translation of Product Titles
If I decide to translate product titles, such as:
Original Title: Rolls Royce Phantom VII EWB Diamond & Black Kyosho 1/18
Translated Title: Rolls Royce Phantom VII EWB Diament & Czarny Kyosho 1/18
This translation only changes two words ("Black" → "Czarny" and "Diamond" → "Diament"). Will WPML:
Charge credits for the entire title?
Only charge credits for the translated parts?
Furthermore, if the word "Black" appears in another product title, will WPML:
Use translation memory and not charge additional credits?
Charge credits again for translating the same word?
Final Request
Please provide a detailed response to each question, as these answers will directly influence the website's development and cost estimation.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Best regards,
Dawid
Let me know if any further refinements are needed! 😊
Additional Question: Does WPML Translate Numbers?
If a product description includes numbers, for example:
"The car was built in 2000."
"The car was built in 2010."
Will WPML recognize that the numbers are not translatable and reuse the translation memory for the unchanged parts of the sentence? Or will it treat these two sentences as completely different, requiring new credits for translation?
I would like to confirm if numerical values (such as years, product codes, or dimensions) are excluded from translation costs.
Thank you for addressing this specific case as it will help clarify the costs for repetitive patterns with varying numerical data.
1) If the [Scale] attribute only has two options (e.g., 1/18 or 1/43), will WPML calculate the cost for the entire sentence each time, or will it recognize that only the attribute is changing?
Translation memory is used per sentence, so depending how this will show in WPML editor / backed, if it will shows 1/18 or 1/43, then that is different sentence and you will be charged, if it will have [scale] then it is same sentence. Sentance needs to be 100% same for it to be used from memory, and not being charged.
2) I am not sure how you are going to keep same product title, there is no such option in WPML, you need to add this translation / copy manually. In short, you will not be charged twice for same translation. For slug there is option to copy it from default language.
3) As I have said, sentence needs to be 100% same for it to be used from memory, so yes if you change few words in your product title, this sentence / section will be re-transalted fully and charged.
4) No, we do not translate or recognize numbers, so that example will be the same sentence and used from memory.
