Custom shortcode not detected by ATE

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

Problem:
You are trying to translate multiple shortcodes containing ids to another string for the translated version on your site. You have added them to the custom XML config, but the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) only picks up the changed strings, not the shortcode id. The specific shortcodes involved are for ws_form and mwai_chatbot.
Solution:
We have reviewed your issue and found that the values for these shortcodes only appear when being directly searched for within ATE. By searching for them in ATE, you can manually add the value and thus translate it.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your case.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 the issue persists, please open a new support ticket.

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Tagged: Custom Work

This topic contains 2 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by robinV-30 2 weeks, 5 days ago.

Assisted by: Lucas Vidal de Andrade.

Author	Posts
October 2, 2025 at 9:34 am
robinV-30	Background of the issue: I am trying to translate multiple shortcodes containing ids to another string for the translated version on my site hidden link. I have added them to the custom XML config, but ATE only picks up the changed strings, not the shortcode id. My current config includes Gutenberg blocks and shortcodes for ws_form and mwai_chatbot. [ws_form id="7"] [mwai_chatbot id="default"] //a //a/@href //form_id ws_form id mwai_chatbot id Symptoms: Both the ws_form and the ai engine shortcode are not picked up by ATE, even after clearing the WPML cache under debug. Questions: Why are the ws_form and mwai_chatbot shortcodes not being detected by ATE? Is there a specific configuration needed for ATE to recognize custom shortcodes?
October 2, 2025 at 3:25 pm #17452514
Lucas Vidal de Andrade WPML Supporter since 11/2023 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+01:00)	Hey there, Thank you for waiting. I checked the post you mentioned and noted that the value only appears when being directly searched for, inside ATE. Check the image attached. By searching them, you can add the value and thus translate it 🙂
October 7, 2025 at 6:56 am #17462439
robinV-30	Gotcha, that is working. Maybe you could add a toggle in the ATE to list custom shortcodes. When I search for ws_form nothing appears which is confusing.