WPML editor

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

Problem:
The client is experiencing issues with the WPML Advanced Translation Editor, specifically when using HTML markers like <strong>. The search function does not locate translations that include these HTML markers, and inserting or editing these markers causes erratic behavior such as misplaced new lines, an inability to save, or markers failing to be added. The client's workflow involves frequent copy-pasting and replacing incorrect translations, but the current editor behavior impedes efficient editing.

Solution:
1. When using the search function within the translation editor, it is recommended to search for text without the HTML markers to improve results. Manually check and update segments where formatting is present after the search.
2. When copy-pasting translations, ensure not to break apart any HTML tags. Use the "Copy from original" option first, then paste the revised content inside the tags to maintain the correct HTML structure.
3. For large scale edits, consider exporting translations as XLIFF files, making edits with a compatible tool, and re-importing to streamline batch corrections.
4. This strict handling of HTML markers by the WPML editor is designed to prevent accidental markup changes that could break page layout or functionality.

If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the solution seems outdated or irrelevant to your specific case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the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 further assistance is needed, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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Tagged: Exception

This topic contains 5 replies, has 3 voices.

Last updated by Carlos Rojas 2 weeks, 1 day ago.

Assisted by: Carlos Rojas.

Author	Posts
August 25, 2025 at 9:51 am #17344421
rannooo	Background of the issue: I am trying to translate using the WPML editor. There are multiple issues that are making my work slower and more error-prone. Symptoms: The search function doesn't find the translation when it includes or other markers. Defining or other markers can cause weird behavior like new lines in random places, not saving, or not adding the marker. Questions: Why doesn't the search function find translations with or other markers? What causes the weird behavior when defining or other markers?
August 25, 2025 at 12:21 pm #17345176
Andrey WPML Supporter since 06/2013 Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский ) Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)	While one of my teammates continues handling your ticket, I’d like to provide you with some initial debugging steps. Could you please provide screenshots showing the issue? This will help us try to reproduce the problem in a local environment. In your reply, please also include: - Specific text fragments that are affected, so we can test them on our end. - The exact text you’re adding to the translation (if relevant). The more details you provide, the easier it will be for us to accurately simulate your scenario and identify the cause of the issue.
August 28, 2025 at 5:37 am #17353271
rannooo	I don't know what to say. It happens so much, like everytime I try to edit Greece or Polish translations. Whenever there is a link or strong tag, it is just horrible experience. Here is one case where I try to add a strong tag but then it just adds a new line and no tag
August 28, 2025 at 5:41 am #17353286
rannooo	Also, when I try to search: Cel: Chronią przed spadającymi przedmiotami, uderzeniami w głowę, a nawet zagrożeniami elektrycznymi, jeśli są odpowiednio ocenione. then no results because "Cel:" is wrapped in strong tag
September 1, 2025 at 6:42 am #17361273
Laura WPML Supporter since 05/2018 Languages: English (English ) Italian (Italiano ) Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)	Hi, could you please provide us with the job ID (it's the number you see in the Translation Editor's URL bar) so we can do some checks on our end?
September 1, 2025 at 8:43 am #17361728
Carlos Rojas WPML Supporter since 03/2017 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)	Hello, My name is Carlos, and I will continue working on this ticket. 1.- Please share the URL of the post/page you shared in the screenshot, where the 'Cel: Chronią przed spadającymi...' text appears and/or share the job ID asked by my colleague in the previous message. This will allow us to use this content as a reference to reproduce the problem. 2.- I have set your next message private so you can securely share the access credentials to the site. That way, I can reproduce the issue on the site and check the configuration. Confirm you have created a full site backup that you can restore if necessary. Looking forward to your message.