This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is trying to manage translations for pages on their website and finds the block-based interface of the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) complicated, especially when dealing with bolded content. They are wondering if they can use the simpler interface similar to the one used for translating categories.
Solution: We explained that the block-based interface is part of the ATE, which offers features like translation memory and glossary to help manage translations efficiently. For content with formatting, ATE detects this and allows the application of formats in translations easily. If the client prefers a simpler interface, they can use the Classic Translation Editor (CTE), which is more straightforward but lacks features like automatic translation and glossary support. We also advised against switching between ATE and CTE for the same content as it may lead to loss of translations. For pages not yet translated, the client can use ATE and opt for automatic translation on demand by adjusting settings in WPML -> Settings -> Translation mode to 'Translate what you chose' and then selecting content for translation in WPML -> Translation Management.
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Background of the issue:
I'm trying to manage my categories and pages translations on my site hidden link. Managing categories translations is easy with an interface that allows me to quickly copy-paste my translations.
Symptoms:
When I try to manage pages translations, there is a complicated block interface that forces me to add translations in blocks instead of as a whole. It also gives me trouble when the content to be translated is bolded.
Questions:
Is there any way of using the regular interface that I get when I translate categories?
That block based interface is Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) which gives you additional benefits while translating content.
For example, it keeps track of your translations via the translation memory and helps reducing the effort of retranslating the repetitive content. By default it breaks content into sentences based on punctuation marks. However, you can join the sentences into paragraphs or bigger segments (i.e. notice the chain icon between sentences). You can also break these grouped segments into sentences as needed.
Additionally it incorporates automatic translation and glossary.
Currently there are 2 interfaces available for ATE, the legacy one and the latest (as you see in your screenshot). You can switch between these by clicking the gear icon in top right corner. There are other preferences available in the same gear icon.
The problem about the content having bold format, is actually a feature. This is about formatting markers, as we call it, to provide safe HTML editing. Whenever there are formats applied in the original content, ATE detects and allows you to apply with simple clicks on the translation. So that your translations have the same formats.
Other than that, you can use Classic Translation Editor (CTE), which provides the interface like you saw for the categories. However, it keeps everything within your database. It has no support for Automatic Translation and Glossary.
Thanks a lot for your explanation above, it really did the trick.
However, I now have another question. What would happen if after I have finished translating using the classic editor, I changed to the advanced editor in order to be able to auto-translate the rest of the pages (the ones I have not translated manually)? Would I lose the content previously translated using the classic editor?
Switching between different editors for the same content (i.e. a page or post) isn't recommended, because you may lose the translations.
Keeping that in mind, the pages you haven't yet translated, you can use advanced editor and can send for automatic translation on demand. For this to work properly, in WPML -> Settings -> Translation mode, select "Translate what you chose" option. This way, your content 'll not be sent to auto-translate as it happens (i.e. created or updated).
Here are a few important things to consider, when using different editors for translations:
- Advanced Translation Editor (ATE): Translations are saved in Translation Memory on WPML side, so if the same content is sent again for auto-translation (i.e. a sentence translated previously in another page and same is being used now in another place), you're not charged extra. As well as, there are other benefits as I mentioned previously. Additionally, when you move or migrate from dev to production or vice-versa, the translations are available.
- WordPress Editor & Classic Translation Editor: These store translations entirely in your own database and WPML (on our servers) there's no record of these. So you've to be extra careful when moving sites. Consider these as your site's local editors.
--- Additionally, translations done in these editors, are not available in ATE. In case, in future, you change your mind to use ATE, then you've to retranslate this content anew.
--- While, if you switch from ATE to these editors, your translations are available for editing (usually). However, any further changes made in these local editors, 'll not be relayed to ATE, thus, you'll need to retranslate the missing ones in ATE.
In short, it is highly recommended to use the same editor to add/edit translations, for the same content (i.e. a page or post).
