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Translating Attributes

Learn how to translate WooCommerce product attributes for variable products (sizes, colors, materials, etc.).

When You Need This​

Translate attributes when:

  • You have variable products (different sizes, colors, etc.)
  • Products use custom attributes (material, brand, season)
  • Customers need to filter by translated attribute values

Example: A t-shirt with Size (Small, Medium, Large) and Color (Red, Blue, Green) attributes should show Tamaño (Pequeño, Mediano, Grande) and Color (Rojo, Azul, Verde) in Spanish.

How WooCommerce Attributes Work​

WooCommerce stores attributes in 4 columns per attribute:

  1. Attribute X Name - Attribute label (e.g., "Color")
  2. Attribute X Value(s) - Attribute values (e.g., "Red, Blue, Green")
  3. Attribute X Visible - Show on product page (1/0)
  4. Attribute X Default - Default variation selection

Example in CSV:

Attribute 1 Name,Attribute 1 Value(s),Attribute 1 Visible,Attribute 1 Default
Color,"Red, Blue, Green",1,Red
Auto-Detection

WooTUI automatically detects all attribute columns when you import your CSV. Just check the boxes for attributes you want to translate!

Quick Steps​

  1. Export products with all columns (including attributes)
  2. Launch WooTUI and select your CSV
  3. Step 2 (Column Selection): Check attribute columns you want to translate
  4. Select target language and translate
  5. Import - WooTUI handles attribute name mapping automatically

What Gets Translated​

Attribute Names​

Color → Color (Spanish: Color) Size → Tamaño Material → Material

Attribute Values​

Red, Blue, Green → Rojo, Azul, Verde Small, Medium, Large → Pequeño, Mediano, Grande

Generated Column​

WooTUI automatically creates Meta: _wpml_import_wc_local_attribute_labels which maps:

color:Color|size:Tamaño|material:Material

This tells WPML how to display attribute names in each language.

Common Issues​

Attributes Show in English After Import​

Problem: Product page shows "Color" instead of "Color" (Spanish)

Cause: WPML attribute label column not generated or imported correctly

Solution:

  1. Verify output CSV has Meta: _wpml_import_wc_local_attribute_labels column
  2. Re-import CSV with "Update existing products" enabled
  3. Clear cache and check again

Some Attribute Values Not Translated​

Problem: "Red, Blue" translates but "Green" doesn't

Cause: CSV formatting issue (extra spaces, wrong delimiter)

Solution:

  • Ensure values are comma-separated: Red, Blue, Green (not semicolons)
  • Check for extra spaces or special characters
  • Verify source CSV has consistent formatting

Variable Products Lost After Import​

Problem: Variable products become simple products

Cause: Attribute columns not mapped correctly during import

Solution:

  1. During WooCommerce import, verify attribute columns map to correct fields
  2. Don't import translated attribute names as new products
  3. Use "Update existing products" (not "Create new products")

Best Practices​

1. Translate Global Attributes in WordPress First​

If you use global attributes (managed in Products → Attributes), translate them in WordPress admin before exporting:

  • Go to Products → Attributes → Edit attribute → Translate with WPML
  • Then export and translate product data with WooTUI

This ensures consistency across all products.

2. Test with One Variable Product​

Before translating 100 variable products:

  • Export one variable product
  • Translate with WooTUI
  • Import and verify variations work correctly
  • Check attribute filters on product archives

3. Keep Attribute Values Consistent​

Don't use:

  • ❌ "Red", "red", "RED" (inconsistent casing)
  • ❌ "Small", "S", "Sm" (mixed formats)

Use:

  • ✅ "Red", "Blue", "Green" (consistent)
  • ✅ "Small", "Medium", "Large" (consistent)

Inconsistent values won't match after translation!

Next Steps​