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

Problem:
The client reported that their media library shows different numbers of items per language in WPML, specifically concerning PDF files uploaded to a custom meta field on a WooCommerce product that has been translated.
Solution:
We recommended checking the settings under WPML > Settings > Media Translation to ensure that the media synchronization feature is enabled, which helps in auto-detecting media that needs to be synced across translations. If the feature is disabled, there is an option for manual setup where the client can select all checkboxes for existing content and start the media synchronization process manually.

Additionally, we advised verifying the translation settings for the custom field named 'product_sheet' under WPML > Settings > Custom Fields Translation. If it is set to 'Ignore', it will not be translated. We suggested setting it to 'Copy' to use the same file across translations or 'Translate' if alternative files are uploaded for other languages.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, we offered further assistance by requesting admin access to take a closer look, ensuring that the client creates a backup before providing access.

For more detailed guidance, please refer to our documentation on Media Translation.

If the solution provided here does not apply or is outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also advise 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. For further assistance, please visit our support forum at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 7 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Andreas W. 3 months ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author Posts
January 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm #17717013

emilR

media library shows different number of items per language" WPML.

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January 10, 2026 at 3:52 pm #17718248

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

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

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

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out!

In the current version of WPML, the images that need to be synced between languages are automatically detected. This way, WPML avoids unnecessary database entries.

You can disable this feature at WPML > Settings > Media Translation.

Once the feature is disabled, you will see an option to access a manual setup. Here, you can mark all the checkboxes for existing content and then press the button to start the media synchronization process.

Once the process finshed you should find the same amount of media in all languages.

Documentation:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/media-translation/

Best regards
Andreas

January 13, 2026 at 9:40 am #17724211

emilR

I dont really understand cant i sync them with the feature on? It is pdf files that might be why.

January 13, 2026 at 12:01 pm #17725069

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

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

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

Indeed, while the feature is on, the media should be auto-detected once you translate a post that contains one of those PDFs.

Have you already translated posts that contain those PDFs?

January 13, 2026 at 10:13 pm #17727492

emilR

They are pdf's uploaded to a custom meta field on a product in woocommerce. And the products have been translated.

January 13, 2026 at 10:15 pm #17727493

emilR

But i dont mind turning of the feature if it doesnt have any negative effects on my site. I just need the library to be the same across the languages basically 100% of the time.

January 14, 2026 at 12:40 am #17727585

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

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

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

Hello,

What is the name of this custom field? Is it maybe the field "product_sheet"?

Please verify WPML > Settings > Custom Fields Translation, as the mentioned field is currently set to "Ignore" and will not be translated.

To make sure the same file is used on translated products, set the field to "Copy" or set the field to "Translate" if you want to translate the source URL, in case you upload alternative sheets in second languages with WPML > Media Translation.

After that, you will need to update the translations for your products.

About the auto-detect feature for media, I would suggest leaving it enabled for now.

In case my suggestions do not solve the issue, I would like to offer to take a closer look as an admin user.

You'll find the necessary fields to provide me with admin access below the comment section if you log in to leave the next reply. The information you provide will be private, meaning only you and I will be able to see and access it.

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Best regards
Andreas

January 17, 2026 at 9:16 pm #17739502

Andreas W.
WPML Supporter since 12/2018

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

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

Hello,

I wanted to ask if my suggestion about the "product_sheet" custom field setting solved this problem for you.

In case of note, please let me know.

Best regards
Andreas