This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client was attempting to import a glossary via WPML into their site but encountered an error. The main issues were related to the CSV file format, specifically incorrect headers, special characters, and possibly incorrect file encoding.
Solution: We advised the client to ensure the CSV file was properly formatted before import. Here are the steps we recommended: 1. Ensure the CSV headers match the language codes (e.g., EN, EN_US) and include a 'Description' column if used. 2. Verify that each row contains the term in the default language and that other language columns are filled or left empty if no translation is available. 3. Save the file as CSV UTF-8 to avoid encoding issues. 4. Remove any extra spaces, line breaks, or special characters from the headers and cells. 5. Use the 'Export glossary' function in WPML to download a correctly formatted CSV file as a template. 6. Re-import the glossary via WPML → Translation Dashboard → Translation Tools → Glossary → Import glossary.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, we recommend opening a new support ticket for further assistance. It's also advisable to check the related known issues and ensure all themes and plugins are updated to their latest versions. If further help is needed, please contact our support at WPML support forum.
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Symptoms:
I need to know the format of the spreadsheet before saving it as a CSV file.
Questions:
What is the format of the spreadsheet before I save it as a CSV file?
Important: EN English is the default language, and EN (US) is treated like the other languages.
Example...
Original term in EN is : security tower
For EN_US it is: surveillance unit
The fastest way to get an example of the CSV is by creating some test glossary items in WPML -> Translation Management -> Translation Tools -> Glossary. Then export those test glossary terms, and you will have a file with the correct structure to import the correct glossary terms.
Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Regards,
Carlos
Hi, Sorry for the delay.
I understand downloading a csv is the right way.
What i don't understand is that the output in column A in my attachment has US as the original language.
At telescopicmast.com the default language is EN_GB and EN_US is an extra language.
Is there some setting in the site that is not correct?
Please share the access credentials to the site in your next message, which I have set private. This will allow us to double-check the configuration and reproduce the issue.
Hi Carlos,
Hmmm how weird. I have given you administrator rights. When i log in as wpml i can't see full WPML Menu, so you are right.
Have an idea? Is it a WPML setting?
If you can correctly see all the WPML configuration, then it might be a problem in the database entry for that particular user. Please delete the user and create a new one, then share the new credentials in your next message.
I think I know what happened. The en_GB language on your site was the default en_US that was modified in WPML -> Languages -> Site Languages -> Edit languages link. And then the actual en_US language was added as a custom language.
I'm consulting this issue with my colleagues, and I will get back to you as soon as I get more information.
While I wait for an answer from my colleague, I would like to ask you to run this little test:
- Import one test glossary term using the same format as the exported one, but this time use 'us' for the test term in the default language and let me know the result.
![FireShot Capture 171 - Translation Management ‹ TelescopicMast, manufacturer of the Mobile_ - [telescopicmast.com].png](https://cdn.wpml.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17421646-FireShot_Capture_171_Translation_Management_TelescopicMast_manufacturer_of_the_Mobile__telescopicmast.com_.png "17421646-FireShot_Capture_171_Translation_Management_TelescopicMast_manufacturer_of_the_Mobile__telescopicmast.com_.png")
