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

Problem:
The client wanted to know if it is possible to use WPML to export XLIFF files for translation and then, after importing the translations, disable WPML while keeping the translated posts and pages in the new language.
Solution:
We explained that WPML stores language information in custom tables, which are used to filter and link content between languages. If you disable WPML, all language information becomes unavailable, and all posts and pages will be assigned to the site's default language as set in WordPress settings. Disabling or deleting WPML will not remove any pages, posts, or taxonomies because they are saved in the default WordPress tables. After importing the translations, if you change the site's default language to Danish, for example, all content will be assigned to Danish when WPML is disabled. No content will be deleted upon deactivation and deletion of WPML.
More details about the topic

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Andreas W. 1 year, 1 month ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author Posts
April 19, 2024 at 12:54 pm #15543735

magnusT-5

Hello,

We are doing a copy of a website. We want to use WPML to just export out XLIFF files for all post, pages etc so we can send it to the translation agency and then import when they are finished.

So far it is clear, I've done that before.

But what I would like to ask since it is a single language site and we only want to have one language but use the functionality with XLIFF files is it possible after the import to keep the translated post and pages but disable WPML? 😊

Kind regards,
Jacob

April 20, 2024 at 8:46 pm #15546470

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Hello Jacob,

WPML uses custom tables that include only the language information to filter and link contents between languages.

Once you disable WPML all the language information will no longer be available and all your posts and pages will be automatically assigned to the site's default language, as determined inside the WordPress settings.

Disabling or deleting WPML will not remove any of your pages, posts, or taxonomies as they stay saved on the default WordPress tables.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Best regards
Andreas

April 22, 2024 at 8:39 pm #15553097

magnusT-5

Hello Andreas,

Let's say I do this.
The website is in Swedish from the beginning. I then add all pages, post etc for translation to Danish and then export it as a XLIFF files.

Once they are translated do I import them back in.

I then change the whole website default language to Danish in the WordPress settings.

Will now the Danish pages, post etc stay? 😊

April 23, 2024 at 7:04 pm #15557849

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

In this case, all pages, posts, taxonomies, and media will be assigned to Danish, as this is the only active language of the site.

April 24, 2024 at 7:18 am #15558914

magnusT-5

So is the answer yes or no to my question? 🙂

April 24, 2024 at 2:31 pm #15561255

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

The answer is, that once you disable WPML all contents will be assigned to the site's default language.

Not any content will get deleted when you deactivate and delete WPML.

More details about the topic:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/deleting-languages-and-plugin-data-by-doing-a-wpml-reset-on-your-site/