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

Problem:
The client is unable to save changes in the WPML Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) as it shows only 57% completion, despite the translation appearing correctly on the page.
Solution:
This issue typically occurs when translations are imported using XLIFF files or a plugin, which writes translations directly into the database. As a result, these translations are visible on the front end but not recognized by ATE. To resolve this:
1. If using XLIFF files:
- Update the page in the default language and send it for translation via WPML → Translation Management.
- Export the new XLIFF file, translate it, and then import it back.
2. If using an import plugin (e.g., WP All Import + WPML All Import add-on):
- Switch to the native WordPress editor and update translations manually. For detailed steps, visit Using Different Translation Editors for Different Pages.

If this solution does not apply to your situation, or if it seems outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. Also, check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and ensure you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, please visit our support forum.

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This topic contains 5 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Andrey 6 months, 4 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
September 10, 2025 at 6:34 pm #17392057

rubenv-29

Background of the issue:
I am trying to edit translations in the translate editor using WPML. I accessed the translation editor through this link: hidden link. The translation appears to work on the page, but the editor shows only 57% completion, preventing me from saving changes.

Symptoms:
The translation editor indicates that only 57% of the page is translated, which prevents saving changes.

Questions:
Why does the translation editor show only 57% completion when the translation appears to work on the page?
How can I save changes in the translation editor when it shows incomplete translation?

September 10, 2025 at 7:29 pm #17392180

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

Could you please provide some more details about the issue?
• Were you able to complete these translations before, and did the problem start recently?
• Was any content updated that now isn’t appearing in the translation editor?
• Can you upload some screenshots showing the issue? This will help me better understand the situation and provide more accurate assistance.

September 13, 2025 at 9:07 am #17399091

rubenv-29

Hi, we recently started using WPML, we imported the translations. We haven't used the translate editor yet. The problems started occurring right away. I attached twee screenshots to show the problem. As you can see, the text is translated on the front-end of the website, but when you look at the translate editor, the text isn't showing.

Advanced-Translation-Editor-WPML-09-13-2025_11_05_AM.png
Energy-–-HH-CE-Global-communications-09-13-2025_11_05_AM.png
September 15, 2025 at 8:06 pm #17403865

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for your feedback and explanation.

This is expected behavior — imported translations will not appear in the Advanced Translation Editor. To make the translations visible in the editor, you can either re-translate that part of the content directly in the translation editor, send the entire page for automatic translation, or copy and paste the content from the front end into the editor.

September 15, 2025 at 9:23 pm #17403896

rubenv-29

Okay, that isnt really user friendly I think. I made changes in the website layout of the default language (I use Elementor), if I want the layout to update on the other langauges I have to click save in the translate editor, but if I want to do that I have to manualy insert all of the content? So that makes the import function useles? Or is there another method to update the layout on all of the languages when changing it in the default language?

September 16, 2025 at 7:43 am #17404622

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for your feedback.

I understand it may feel a bit confusing, so let me clarify.

From what I can see, you likely imported translations using XLIFF files or a plugin. In such cases, the translations are written directly into the database. This means WPML will display them on the front end, but the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE) is not aware of them. That’s why you don’t see them inside ATE.

Regarding your question about updating the layout in the default language and applying those changes to translations, the steps depend on how you’ve been managing translations:


1. If you work with XLIFF files

• Make the change on the page in the default language and update it.
• Send the page for translation in WPML → Translation Management.
• Export the new XLIFF file (it will include the recent changes).
• Translate the updated XLIFF file.
• Import the translated XLIFF back, and the changes will apply to the translations.

2. If you use an import plugin (e.g., WP All Import + WPML All Import add-on)
• You can switch to the native WordPress editor (instead of using ATE) and update the translations manually. In your case, this means opening the translated page with the Elementor editor and applying the necessary changes directly.
• More details here:
https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-different-translation-editors-for-different-pages/#how-to-use-manual-translation