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

Problem:
You are using WPML for media translation and are concerned about how the settings related to duplicating media might impact storage usage.
Solution:
If you're experiencing concerns about storage space due to media translation settings in WPML, it's important to understand that settings such as 'Duplicate existing media for translated content' and 'Duplicate media attachments for translations' do not actually duplicate the image files themselves. Instead, these settings create additional entries in the database that point to the existing files. This means that no additional storage space is used for the files themselves. For more detailed information, we recommend checking our official documentation on Media Translation.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case. We highly recommend checking related known issues at 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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This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 2 weeks, 3 days ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
August 19, 2025 at 8:17 am #17330156

stefanS-46

<b>Background of the issue: </b>
I am using WPML for media translation on my site hidden link. I am reviewing the Media Translation settings to understand their impact on storage usage.

<b>Symptoms: </b>
I'm wondering if any of these Media Translation settings will use storage?
- Translate existing media in all languages
- Duplicate existing media for translated content
- Duplicate the featured images for translated content
- When uploading media to the Media library, make it available in all languages
- Duplicate media attachments for translations
- Duplicate featured images for translations

<b>Questions: </b>
I understand how media translation works and work which is well documented. But I'm unsure if for example "Duplicate existing media for translated content" or "Duplicate media attachments for translations" will generate additional files?

August 19, 2025 at 8:25 am #17330206

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

As you can read in our official documentation: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/ no image file will be duplicated; only entries in the database pointing to the file will be created.

Best regards,
Carlos