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

Problem:
You are trying to translate your custom theme (child of Neve theme) to different languages using .po/.mo files. After adding _e() functions to your strings in the child theme for detection, you now want to use your .po/.mo files to translate in bulk without using the WPML interface on wp-admin.
Solution:
We recommend using the import feature of WPML for translating your custom theme in bulk. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard > WPML > String Translation.
2. Scroll down and expand the Import/Export .PO option.
3. Choose your .po file.
4. Select which language it is intended for.
5. Select the proper text domain that you used in your child theme within the

_e()

function.
6. Import the strings.

Please note that this solution might be irrelevant if it's outdated or not applicable to your case. 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 this does not resolve your issue, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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Last updated by hamzaK 4 days, 9 hours ago.

Assisted by: Christopher Amirian.

Author Posts
April 20, 2026 at 7:16 pm #17982037

hamzaK

I'm trying to translate my custom theme (child of neve theme), to different languages using .po/.mo files.
Using just string detection didn't work, so i added _e() functions to all my strings at child theme. It was detected then at string translation.
Now i want to use my .po/.mo to translate in bulk. I would prefer not to use the wpml interface on wp-admin, and make things agnostic so my custom theme can be easily installed for other website with correct translation. How to resolve that?
Thank you

April 21, 2026 at 8:50 am #17983275

Christopher Amirian
WPML Supporter since 07/2020

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Asia/Yerevan (GMT+04:00)

Hello and welcome to WPML support.

You can use the import feature of WPML for this purpose, in my opinion.

- Go to WordPress Dashboard > WPML > String Translation
- Scroll down and expand the Import/Export .PO option.
- Choose your PO file.
- Select whcih language it is intended for
- Select the proper text domain that you used on your child theme within the _e() function.
- And import the strings.

Thanks.

Screenshot 2026-04-21 at 12.49.33 PM.png
April 21, 2026 at 10:06 am #17983515

hamzaK

I had also a little mistake in my .po file.
For other users here is what worked:

1- Verify correct PO file
2- Import/Export .PO option at String Translation
3- Change Language on String Translation if imported wrong the first time (solution)

Thanks Christopher !