TranslatePress and WPML are both powerful tools for translating WordPress websites, but they approach image and metadata translation differently.
TranslatePress Image and Metadata Translation
TranslatePress allows you to translate images and their associated metadata directly from the front-end using its visual translation editor. This means you can hover over an image on your website, click to edit it, and then translate the image source, alt text, title, and other metadata in real-time. If the image is linked to a larger version, you can also translate the href attribute of the anchor tag[1][4][7].
One of the key features of TranslatePress is its ability to show different images for different languages. You can upload a new image for each language version of your site or simply translate the filename of the existing image[1][4]. This flexibility is particularly useful for images containing text that needs to be translated.
TranslatePress also supports automatic translation of image metadata like alt text and titles using machine translation services such as Google Translate and DeepL, making it easier to optimize images for SEO across multiple languages[4].
WPML Image and Metadata Translation
WPML, on the other hand, scans your site's database to identify translatable content, including images and metadata. It provides a comprehensive system for managing translations, allowing you to translate text content, metadata, and images through its backend interface[5][9].
WPML is known for its robust features and customization options, making it suitable for complex multilingual setups. However, its approach requires more initial configuration and setup compared to TranslatePress[8][9].
Comparison of TranslatePress and WPML
While both plugins can handle image and metadata translation, TranslatePress offers a more straightforward, front-end approach that is user-friendly and visually oriented. WPML provides a more structured backend system that is ideal for large-scale or complex multilingual projects.
In terms of ease of use, TranslatePress is generally more beginner-friendly and requires less technical knowledge, whereas WPML offers more advanced features but demands a more involved setup process[2][8]. Both plugins support SEO optimization, but WPML provides deeper integration with SEO plugins like Yoast SEO[8].
Ultimately, the choice between TranslatePress and WPML depends on your specific needsâwhether you prefer a simple, visual translation process or a more comprehensive, customizable system.
Citations:
[1] https://translatepress.com/docs/image-translation/
[2] https://blog.superbthemes.com/website/translatepress-vs-wpml/
[3] https://wpml.org/forums/topic/translate-media/
[4] https://translatepress.com/wordpress-images-seo-friendly-images/
[5] https://translatepress.com/best-wpml-alternative-why-use-translatepress-instead-pros-cons/
[6] https://translatepress.com/polylang-vs-wpml-comparison/
[7] https://translatepress.com/translate-images-in-wordpress/
[8] https://instawp.com/weglot-vs-translatepress-vs-wpml/
[9] https://www.weglot.com/blog/translatepress-vs-wpml