Running a multilingual WordPress website can be challenging. While Polylang is an excellent plugin for managing multiple languages, it works even better when paired with the right addons. These extensions solve specific problems that multilingual site owners face every day.

In this guide, we’ll explore 5 essential Polylang addons that will make your multilingual website that is easier to manage and translate. 

1. Polylang Connect for Elementor

Polylang Connect for Elementor is an addon that bridges the gap between Polylang and Elementor page builder. It allows you to translate Elementor-built pages, widgets, and templates while maintaining the same design and layout across all languages.

When you build a page with Elementor, this addon automatically detects translatable content within your widgets and elements. Instead of recreating pages from scratch for each language, you can simply translate the text content while keeping your design intact. It works with all Elementor widgets, templates, and even dynamic content.

Pros

• No need to rebuild pages for each language
• Your design stays consistent across all languages
• Simple interface for translating widget content
• Translate headers, footers, and page templates
• Handles complex Elementor features properly

Cons

• Requires a separate purchase beyond Polylang
• Only useful if you use Elementor
• Need to understand how both plugins work together
• Must keep both plugins updated for compatibility

2. Multilingual Contact Form 7 with Polylang

This addon makes Contact Form 7 forms fully multilingual by automatically translating form labels, messages, and email notifications based on the visitor’s selected language. It ensures your contact forms work easily in all languages your site supports.

The addon detects when a visitor switches languages and automatically updates all form elements to match. It translates field labels, placeholder text, validation messages, and even email notifications. You can set up different email addresses for different languages and customize messages for each language.

Pros

• Forms update instantly when the language changes
• Sends emails in the visitor’s preferred language
• Error messages appear in the correct language
• Simple configuration for multiple languages
• Can send inquiries to different email addresses by language

Cons

• Doesn’t work with other form plugins
• Need to translate some form content manually
• Some advanced features may need custom coding

3. AutoPoly – AI Translation For Polylang

AutoPoly – AI Translation For Polylang is an automated translation addon that uses AI to translate your content into multiple languages. It translates your Gutenberg and Elementor pages, sections, and widgets within a few clicks. The plugin duplicates and translates page/post titles, content, images, galleries, and meta fields automatically without any paid API keys.

Pros

• Saves time via automatic translation
• AI considers context, not just individual words
• Cheaper than hiring professional translators
• Quick Content Updation
• Can translate multiple pages/posts at once

Cons

• AI translations may need human review and editing
• May miss the cultural context that humans would catch

4. WPML to Polylang 

This WPML to Polylang addon helps website owners migrate their multilingual content from WPML to Polylang without losing translations, settings, or language associations. 

The migration tool analyzes your existing WPML setup and transfers all translations, language settings, and content relationships to Polylang. It preserves your URL structures, maintains internal links, and ensures that all language associations remain intact during the migration process.

Pros

• Keeps all existing translations and settings
• Maintains language associations and links
• Automated migration instead of manual recreation
• Switch to a potentially more affordable solution

Cons

• Complex sites may face migration challenges
• Need to thoroughly test the site after migration
• Must back up the site before attempting migration
• Some WPML-specific addons won’t work anymore

5. Language Switcher for Elementor & Polylang

The Language Switcher for Elementor & Polylang is an addon that adds a native language switcher widget directly to Elementor’s widget library. It’s designed specifically for Elementor users who want to add professional language switching functionality without leaving their visual editor.

This plugin integrates with both Polylang and Elementor, automatically detecting all configured languages and allowing you to place language switchers anywhere on your pages using Elementor’s drag-and-drop interface. 

Pros

• Offers multiple display options and customization settings
• Intuitive interface for visitors
• Show flags, text, or both
• Easy setup

Cons

• Need CSS skills for advanced customization
• Can cause conflicts with themes other than Elementor

The above mentioned 5 Polylang addons turn your basic multilingual site into a professional website. Every addon handles a specific issue that multilingual site owners deal with, like keeping your design the same across all languages or making it easy for visitors to switch languages. So, choose the plugin that addresses your problem.