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Problem:
The client wanted to know how WPML's automatic translation feature handles product featured and gallery images, specifically if it duplicates these images in the database, and how to prevent this to avoid bloating the

and

tables.

Solution:
We explained that WPML's "WPML Media Translation" module manages media duplication across translations. By default, WPML duplicates media entries for each language in the database but does not duplicate the actual image files. To prevent automatic media duplication:
1. Navigate to WPML -> Settings.
2. Scroll to the 'Media translation' section.
3. Uncheck the options shown in the provided screenshot and save the changes.

We also clarified that it's not possible to have a single image load in the translation without duplication unless custom coding is implemented. If the client needs a custom solution, we suggested hiring a certified developer experienced in customizing WPML from https://wpml.org/contractors/.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your case. If so, 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 our support forum.

Problem:
The client had several questions about WPML's automatic translation feature, including the ability to edit published translations, the cost of automatic translation, the implications of switching from manual to automatic translation, the scope of what can be automatically translated, and how existing translations are handled.

Solution:
1. You can edit translations after they are published. WPML allows for manual adjustments at any time.
2. WPML provides initial free credits for automatic translation, but additional credits must be purchased once these are used up. For more details, please refer to our automatic translation pricing.
3. Switching to automatic translation will not re-translate existing manual content. It will only apply to new or untranslated content.
4. WPML can automatically translate posts, pages, products, custom post types, and taxonomies. Theme elements like headers and footers may need manual translation via WPML String Translation unless they are stored in a post type.
5. Backend content like email templates typically requires translation through WPML String Translation. For automatic string translation, please check this guide.
6. Widgets within themes can be automatically translated if recognized by WPML String Translation. For the Astra theme's header builder widget, refer to the guide mentioned in point 5.
7. WPML will not re-translate already translated product attributes and will focus on translating the remaining untranslated attributes.
8. WPML allows enabling automatic translation for specific language pairs and excluding certain languages from automatic translation.
9. WPML preserves existing manual translations and will not overwrite them with automatic translations unless the original content is updated and the translation mode is set to use WPML Translation Editor.
10. Auto-translated content is stored in the site’s database, just like manually entered translations.

For content that has been manually translated independently, WPML respects these translations and will not overwrite them when automatic translation is enabled. If the translation mode for a page is changed to "WPML Translation Editor" and the source content is updated, then automatic translation will apply.

When automatic translation is activated, untranslated pages or posts will be placed in the translation queue and begin translating immediately.

Switching from the WordPress Editor to the Advanced Translation Editor will not transfer translations due to different translation memories. To test automatic translation, you can either disconnect the existing translation or delete them, and the automatic translation feature will start to translate them automatically.

If this solution is not relevant to your case, or if you find it outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at WPML Known Issues, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If you need further assistance, please feel free to open a new support ticket in our support forum.