WPForms Multilingual

Creating Multilingual Forms Using WPForms and WPML

When it comes to building a multilingual site, ensuring that your forms are accessible in multiple languages is crucial. For WordPress users, WPForms, paired with WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin), offers a powerful solution to seamlessly create and manage multilingual forms. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about utilizing WPForms Multilingual effectively.

Development

Required Plugins

To kick off the process of translating your forms, there are a few required plugins you need to have installed and activated:
– WPML: This is the core plugin that facilitates the creation of multilingual websites.
– WPML String Translation: This add-on is essential for translating theme and plugin strings, including those coming from any forms you create.
– WPForms or WPForms Lite: This is your form builder. WPForms is known for its ease of use and drag-and-drop capabilities.
– WPForms Multilingual: Specifically designed to connect WPForms with WPML, allowing you to translate your forms easily.

How to Translate WPForms with WPML

Translating WPForms involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Access Translation Management: Navigate to WPML in your WordPress admin panel, then select “Translation Management”. Here, you’ll find a dedicated WPForms section.

2. Select Forms for Translation: In the WPForms section, check the forms you want to translate. This is where you can choose multiple forms if needed.

3. Choose a Translation Method: You can either send your selected forms for professional translation or opt for manual translation. Once you’ve made your choice, you can send them off for translation.

4. Viewing Translated Forms: To see your form in action, head over to the page where your form is embedded and switch between languages. Note that it’s important to have translated the page that contains your form before viewing it in a different language, or else it won’t display correctly.

Troubleshooting Text Not Translating

Occasionally, you may encounter some texts within your form that don’t translate as expected. This could include labels and sub-labels that are actually registered as strings. Here’s how to tackle that issue:

• Registering Strings: First, visit your form’s front end while logged in to your admin account. This action triggers WPML to register any form strings that need translation.

• Searching for Strings: Return to WPML → Translation Management and scroll down to the “Other texts (Strings)” section. Here, you can find, search, and send strings for translation.

If some strings still do not appear, double-check that the Auto-registration option is enabled within the Other texts section of Translation Management. This feature allows WPML to automatically register strings from forms whenever they are viewed by an admin.

Starting Your Translation Journey with WPML

If you have an existing WPML account, you’re in good shape! WPForms Multilingual can be downloaded without any extra costs from the Downloads page on WPML’s website. This integration simplifies the process of translating and managing multilingual forms.

However, if you’re new to WPML, it’s time to consider which pricing plan suits your needs best. WPML offers various plans, which include all the necessary features to allow you to run a multilingual site effectively.

Benefits of Using WPForms Multilingual

Utilizing WPForms Multilingual comes with several benefits for website owners:

• User-Friendly Interface: WPForms is designed with simplicity in mind. This means that even those without extensive coding or technical backgrounds can set up and manage forms with ease.

• Versatility: Whether you’re collecting contact information, processing orders, or receiving feedback, WPForms provides a versatile platform that can adapt to your needs.

• Dynamic String Translation: With WPForms Multilingual, any string used in your forms can be translated, which means that all your users, regardless of language preference, have access to the same services.

• Integration Capabilities: WPForms works well with various other plugins and platforms, allowing for integrations that enhance user experience and form functionality. For instance, it integrates seamlessly with payment gateways, email marketing apps, and even CRM systems.

Best Practices for Multilingual Forms

When creating multilingual forms, there are some best practices to keep in mind to ensure clarity and user-friendliness:

1. Prioritize Clarity: Make sure that all texts and instructions in your forms are clear and easy to understand in all languages. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon that might not translate well.

2. Use Consistent Labels: Maintain consistency in how fields are labeled across different languages. For example, if you use “Email Address” in English, ensure to use the direct translation in the other languages, rather than varying it in each language.

3. Preview Forms: Always preview your translated forms to ensure that all components are displayed correctly and that translations appear as intended.

4. Test Form Functionality: After translation, test the forms by submitting entries in different languages. This helps in ensuring that all functionalities, such as notifications and redirects, work seamlessly.

5. Engage Native Speakers: If possible, have a native speaker review your forms’ translations. This can help catch any phrases or words that would sound off to users in that language.

By adopting these practices, you not only provide a better user experience but also enhance the overall effectiveness of your multilingual forms.

Conclusion

Creating multilingual forms with WPForms and WPML is a powerful way to engage users from different linguistic backgrounds. By following the outlined steps, troubleshooting common issues, and embracing best practices, you can effectively manage translations and ensure that your forms are accessible to everyone. Whether you’re running an online shop, a blog, or any kind of service platform, using WPForms Multilingual elevates your website’s functionality and user experience, allowing you to reach broader audiences and cater effectively to diverse user needs.