Connected media vs copied media

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

Problem:
The client needed clarification on when to use connected media versus copied media for managing images across different language versions of a site. They wanted to maintain a single image file while translating only the metadata and were also looking to delete any duplicate media files without losing metadata.
Solution:
We explained that the choice between connected and copied media is determined by the theme or page builder used, not by WPML itself. In both scenarios, the actual image file is not duplicated; only the media texts such as alt text, captions, and titles might be duplicated in the database. If the client does not intend to use different images across languages, they do not require the WPML Media add-on. They can continue using WPML to translate image metadata directly when translating pages. For further guidance on managing media translations, we recommended visiting the WPML documentation on media translation at https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/.

If this solution does not apply to your situation, or if it seems outdated, please check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest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 further assistance is needed.

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Tagged: Documentation request

This topic contains 1 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Dražen 1 week, 4 days ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author	Posts
October 5, 2025 at 3:53 am #17456563
yaroslavL-2	Background of the issue: Dear team. I need help understanding when to use connected media versus copied media. From what I was able to find online, in the case that I want to use the same photo across both languages. I can use "connected media". That way I have only one image file and I'm only translating the metadata. My question is: 1.is this correct? If I want to have one file in the background, and I only want to translate metadata. Should I use the connected media option? If this is the case. Then: 2. Currently my website has instances of both. Mostly "copied media". Is there an easy way to delete all duplicate media files from my translated language without removing that meta-data? So that then I can go into the images and click "revert to original" in all of them? Symptoms: Basically, my goal is to have 1. one source image file 2. Translate only the metadata and 3. Delete any unwanted, unused media files that may have been leftover from prior duplication. Questions: Basically, my goal is to have 1. one source image file 2. Translate only the metadata and 3. Delete any unwanted, unused media files that may have been leftover from prior duplication. How to do this?
October 6, 2025 at 6:32 am #17458208
Dražen Supporter Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+02:00)	Hello, Let me clarify this for you. The difference between connected and copied media isn’t something you can control — it depends on how the theme or page builder handles media. In both cases, the actual image file is not duplicated. When media is “copied,” it simply means that its text values (like alt text, captions, or titles) are duplicated in the database, not the image file itself. As WPML explains: “WPML does not duplicate image files. Sometimes, it duplicates the media texts (like alt text, captions, and titles) after translation.” In short, if you don’t plan to use different images across languages, you don’t need the WPML Media add-on. You can simply continue using WPML and translate the image metadata when translating pages. Please check: - https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/ Regards, Drazen