[Waiting for user feedback] ACF fields and WPML

To troubleshoot this problem, I'll install the Duplicator plugin and generate packages for further debugging purposes. I'll ensure to exclude all media files to maintain a minimal package size. You can find more information about the process here: [link](https://wpml.org/faq/provide-supporters-copy-site/). Please confirm if this approach is acceptable to you.

I have created a Duplicator package of your site and escalated the issue to our second-tier support team for detailed debugging.

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For custom work or if you need assistance with tasks outside the scope of our support, we recommend https://wpml.org/contractors/. These are professionals who specialize in custom development work, but note that they do not handle bug fixing related to WPML, this is on us.

We have identified a discrepancy in the **"section"** field values between the original post (ID 23) and its translation (ID 2163) in the WordPress post meta table. The values are as follows:

- **Original (ID 23):**

  `a:8:{i:0;s:4:"text";i:1;s:4:"text";i:2;s:4:"text";i:3;s:12:"image-slider";i:4;s:4:"text";i:5;s:12:"image-scroll";i:6;s:4:"text";i:7;s:13:"model-dynamic";}`

- **Translation (ID 2163):**

  `a:8:{i:0;s:4:"text";i:1;s:4:"text";i:2;s:4:"text";i:3;s:12:"image slider";i:4;s:4:"text";i:5;s:12:"image-scroll";i:6;s:4:"text";i:7;s:13:"model-dynamic";}`

The difference lies in the fourth value:

- **Original:** `"image-slider"`
- **Translation:** `"image slider"`

This small variation (a missing hyphen) is critical because WordPress relies on the exact match of these field values for proper rendering and functionality. The incorrect value in the translation is causing the field to fail to display correctly.

Additionally, we noticed that the **"sections"** field is set to **"Don't translate" (0)** in WPML's translation preferences. According to https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/translate-sites-built-with-acf/recommended-custom-fields-translation-preferences-for-acf-and-wpml/, flexible fields should use either:

- **"Copy"**: Ensures that the value is always synchronized between the original and translated posts.
- **"Copy once"**: Copies the value during the initial translation but allows independent edits afterward.

Having "Don't translate" set for flexible fields means any changes made to this field in the translation will be ignored, which could lead to inconsistencies like the issue observed here.

To resolve the immediate issue, update the **"section"** field value for the translated post (ID 2163) to match the original format, replacing `"image slider"` with `"image-slider"`. You can do this using the SQL query such as:

 UPDATE wp_postmeta
   SET meta_value = REPLACE(meta_value, 'image slider', 'image-slider')
   WHERE post_id = 2163 AND meta_key = 'section';

Replace `wp_` with your actual table prefix if it’s different. Be sure to back up your database before running this query.

As for the translation Preference for the "sections" Field:**
- Navigate to https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/translating-custom-fields/#2-decide-how-to-translate-custom-fields
- Locate the **"sections"** field.
- Change its translation preference from **"Don't translate" (0)** to **"Copy"** or **"Copy once"**, depending on whether you want the field to stay synchronized with the original or allow edits in translations. You can do this in the Field Group as well (if using expert mode, that would be better).

After running the SQL query and updating the field's translation preference, test the translated post (ID 2163) to confirm that the field now displays as expected. You may need to resave the original.

If you need further assistance with these steps, feel free to let me know!