WPML String Translation Addon and Why It’s So Popular?
The WPML String Translation Addon is a popular plugin for WordPress that extends the functionality of the WPML Multilingual Plugin. It allows you to translate site content, strings, and other dynamic elements of your website without needing to touch the code. This makes it an essential tool for WordPress users who want to create multilingual websites easily.
WPML String Translation is particularly popular because it gives full control over translations, from themes and plugins to admin texts and widget content. Unlike basic translation plugins, this addon allows for highly granular translations, making it ideal for businesses, agencies, and websites targeting a global audience. It simplifies the entire translation process, making multilingual content management efficient and accessible.
WPML String Translation Addon Free vs WPML String Translation Pro GPL — Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison between the free version of WPML String Translation Addon and the Pro GPL version:
| Feature | WPML String Translation Free | WPML String Translation Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| Basic String Translation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Admin Texts Translation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Translation of Themes & Plugins | ✅ Limited | ✅ Full support for all themes and plugins |
| Language Switcher | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Translation Management | ❌ Limited | ✅ Advanced translation management tools |
| Automatic Updates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (when downloaded via GPL) |
| Support | ❌ No support | ✅ Full support (via GPL source) |
Summary:
The free version gives you basic translation tools but is more limited in features, especially for large-scale or professional websites. The Pro GPL version unlocks advanced features like language switchers, full translation management, and more comprehensive support for themes and plugins.
Can You Get WPML String Translation Pro for Free?
Yes, you can get the WPML String Translation Pro for free through GPL-licensed sources. These sources legally provide WPML Pro versions under the General Public License (GPL). The GPL allows the redistribution of premium plugins, meaning you can download and use WPML String Translation Pro for free.
However, while you get the same core features as the paid version, you won’t receive official support or automatic updates from WPML. You’ll need to handle updates manually and troubleshoot any issues on your own.
Just ensure you’re downloading from trusted GPL websites to avoid any potential security risks.
Best Free or Budget-Friendly Alternatives to WPML String Translation Pro
If you’re looking for free or affordable alternatives to WPML String Translation Pro, here are a few options to consider:
1. Polylang
Polylang is a popular free plugin for creating multilingual websites on WordPress. It allows users to create and manage translations for posts, pages, media, and more. The free version covers most of the basic needs, and the Pro version adds advanced features like automatic translations and translation of custom post types.
2. TranslatePress
TranslatePress offers both a free and premium version. The free version lets you manually translate your WordPress site, including themes and plugins. It has an easy-to-use interface and visual translation editor. The premium version offers extra features like SEO compatibility, automatic translation, and more.
3. Weglot
Weglot is an excellent alternative with a free plan for sites with fewer than 2,000 words. It integrates easily with WordPress and automatically detects and translates your content. While the free plan is limited, it offers a seamless setup for small websites.
4. GTranslate
GTranslate provides both free and paid options. The free version automatically translates your website using Google Translate, offering quick multilingual support. The Pro version includes more control over translations and better SEO optimization.
These plugins are great alternatives if you’re on a budget but still need multilingual functionality. They may not have all the advanced features of WPML String Translation Pro, but they can certainly get the job done for small to medium-sized websites.
What is WPML String Translation Pro General Public License?
The General Public License (GPL) is an open-source license that gives users the freedom to use, modify, and redistribute software. Since WPML String Translation Pro is built on the GPL framework, it means the plugin is freely available for download and redistribution, even in its Pro version.
With the GPL version, you can install WPML String Translation Pro on multiple websites, use it for commercial purposes, and even modify the code if necessary. However, using a GPL version means you won’t get official support or automatic updates directly from WPML unless you purchase a commercial license from the official site.
In simple terms, GPL gives users more flexibility but comes with the responsibility of handling updates and support on your own.
WPML String Translation Pro GPL vs WPML String Translation Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | WPML String Translation Pro GPL | WPML String Translation Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free or low cost (via GPL sites) | Paid (annual subscription) |
| Updates | ❌ Manual updates only | ✅ Automatic updates |
| Support | ❌ No official support | ✅ Full official support |
| License | GPL (open-source) | Commercial license |
| Translation Management | ✅ Basic translation tools | ✅ Advanced translation tools |
| Access to Features | ✅ Full access to Pro features | ✅ Full access to Pro features |
| Legality | ✅ Fully legal under GPL | ✅ Fully licensed |
Summary:
The GPL version of WPML String Translation Pro offers all the same features as the official version but lacks official support and automatic updates. It’s ideal for developers or advanced users who are comfortable handling updates manually and troubleshooting issues. The official version includes premium support and automatic updates but comes with an ongoing cost.
WPML String Translation Pro Version History and Timeline
Here’s a quick overview of how WPML String Translation Pro has evolved:
- Initial Release: The WPML plugin was initially launched to handle multilingual content on WordPress. The String Translation Addon followed shortly after to handle dynamic text translation for themes, plugins, and admin texts.
- Regular Updates: Over the years, WPML has received updates that improve performance, compatibility, and translation capabilities.
- Recent Updates (2023–2024):
- Improved user interface for easier translation management
- Added better integration with popular page builders and themes
- Enhanced automatic translation options using services like Google Translate and DeepL
- Current Version (2024): WPML String Translation Pro continues to be one of the most reliable multilingual solutions, with ongoing updates for better SEO, compatibility, and performance.