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

Problem:
The client is experiencing issues with redundant media files in different language translations, specifically noticing that each translation seems to have a physical copy of the same image. The client is concerned about how to remove these redundant pictures without causing issues.
Solution:
We explained that the WPML Media Translation plugin does not actually duplicate media files; instead, it handles them in a way that might appear as duplication. For a detailed explanation, you can refer to the first FAQ on our documentation page: Media Translation FAQ.
Regarding the settings for 'Duplicate media...' and 'when uploading media...', it is recommended to keep these options activated to ensure that media files are handled correctly across translations.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 problem persists, please open a new support ticket.

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This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 1 month, 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author Posts
June 8, 2025 at 12:34 pm #17116313

lorenzoA-4

Background of the issue:
I filed a ticket a couple of days ago but received no reply to date and I can't find it here either.

I am cleanig up the media and noticed that for each translations there is a copy of the picture Pic1.png. The original language is English and the pictures are the same for all languages. If I compress the picture in the transalated language it wil compress, hence I assume that there is a physical copy of it Pic2.png.
How to remove the redundant pictures without causing a mess?
Thanks for your feedback
Lorenzo

Symptoms:
When I compress the picture in the translated language, it compresses, indicating there is a physical copy of it, Pic2.png.

Questions:
How to remove the redundant pictures without causing a mess?

June 9, 2025 at 8:49 am #17117631

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hello,
Thank you for contacting us

WPML Media Translation plugin doesn't duplicate the media files, which is the reason why you are describing the expected behavior. In the first FAQ of this page you can find the answer: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/#frequently-asked-questions

Best regards,
Carlos

June 9, 2025 at 9:20 am #17117707

lorenzoA-4

Hi Carlos
Thanks for your reply.

What happens if I disable Duplicate media... and when uploading media... in the settings?
Should I leave them ticked for it to work correctly with translations.

Cheers
Lorenzo

June 9, 2025 at 10:23 am #17117961

Carlos Rojas
WPML Supporter since 03/2017

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español )

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

Hi,

What happens is that you won't have automatically translatable media. So it is recommended to leave it activated.