GeoLang Documentation
Complete guide to using GeoLang for Gutenberg
Table of Contents
- What is GeoLang?
- Installation
- Plugin Settings
- Translating Posts and Pages
- Menu Translation
- Template Parts Translation
- IP-Based Language Detection
- SEO Features
- Language Switcher
- Free vs Pro
What is GeoLang?
GeoLang for Gutenberg is a WordPress plugin that enables you to create and manage multilingual content directly within the Gutenberg block editor. Unlike traditional translation plugins that require complex setups or external services, GeoLang works natively with WordPress blocks, making the translation process intuitive and seamless.
Key Features
- Gutenberg Native: Works directly in the block editor with a dedicated sidebar
- IP Detection: Automatically detect visitor language based on IP address
- SEO Ready: Automatic hreflang tags and multilingual sitemap support
- Template Parts: Translate navigation menus and FSE template parts
- Language Switcher: Customizable frontend language selector
Installation
Method 1: WordPress.org (Free Version)
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard
- Search for “GeoLang for Gutenberg”
- Click Install Now then Activate
Method 2: Manual Upload
- Download the plugin ZIP file
- Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
- Select the ZIP file and click Install Now
- Activate the plugin
Plugin Settings
Language Configuration
Navigate to GeoLang > Settings to configure your multilingual setup:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
Default Language |
The primary language of your site (e.g., English) |
Additional Languages |
Languages you want to translate content into |
Sidebar Position |
Where the GeoLang panel appears in Gutenberg (left/right) |
Language Switcher Settings
- Position: Bottom-right, bottom-left, top-right, top-left, or shortcode
- Display Style: Text only, flags only, or both
- Menu Style: Dropdown or inline list
- Padding: Adjust spacing from screen edges
Translating Posts and Pages
Creating a Translation
- Open any post or page in the Gutenberg editor
- Look for the GeoLang panel in the sidebar (Document tab)
- Click “Create Translation” next to the desired language
- GeoLang will duplicate the content and open it for translation
- Translate the content and publish
Linking Existing Content
If you already have content in multiple languages:
- Open the original post/page
- In the GeoLang panel, click “Link Translation”
- Search and select the existing translated post
- Save to establish the connection
Menu Translation
GeoLang supports both classic WordPress menus and Gutenberg Navigation blocks (Full Site Editing).
Translating Classic Menus
- Go to GeoLang > Menu Translator
- Select a classic menu from the dropdown
- Choose the target language
- Enter translations for each menu item title and URL
- Save changes
Translating Navigation Blocks (FSE)
- Go to GeoLang > Menu Translator
- Select a Navigation block from the list
- Enter translations for navigation links
- GeoLang will automatically display the correct translation based on the current language
Template Parts Translation
For Full Site Editing (FSE) themes, GeoLang can translate Template Parts like headers, footers, and sidebars.
How It Works
- Navigate to GeoLang > Template Parts
- You’ll see a list of available template parts from your theme
- Select a template part and the target language
- Create or link a translated version
IP-Based Language Detection
GeoLang can automatically detect a visitor’s country based on their IP address and redirect them to the appropriate language version.
Configuration
- Go to GeoLang > IP Detection
- Enable “Automatic Language Detection”
- Select your preferred detection method
- Configure country-to-language mappings
Detection Methods (Free Version)
Service |
Rate Limit |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
ipapi.co |
1,000/day (free tier) |
Small to medium sites |
ipwho.is |
10,000/month |
Medium traffic sites |
SEO Features
GeoLang automatically implements best practices for multilingual SEO:
Automatic Features
- Hreflang Tags: Added to page head to tell search engines about language variants
- HTML Lang Attribute: Proper language attribute on the HTML tag
- Sitemap Support: Compatible with RankMath and Yoast SEO multilingual sitemaps
Manual Override
If you need to disable automatic SEO helpers:
- Go to GeoLang > Settings
- Check “Disable SEO Helpers”
- Use your own SEO plugin’s multilingual features instead
Language Switcher
The Language Switcher allows visitors to manually choose their preferred language.
Position Options
- Floating: Fixed position on screen corners (default)
- Shortcode: Use
[geolang_switcher]to place anywhere - Widget: Available in Appearance > Widgets (classic themes)
Styling Options
- Text only (language codes or names)
- Flags only
- Flags + text
- Dropdown or inline display
Free vs Pro Features
Feature |
Free |
Pro |
|---|---|---|
Multilingual posts/pages |
✓ |
✓ |
Menu translation |
✓ |
✓ |
Template parts translation |
✓ |
✓ |
IP Detection (API-based) |
✓ |
✓ |
MaxMind local database |
— |
✓ |
Advanced revision comparison |
— |
✓ |
Paid Memberships Pro integration |
— |
✓ |
Bulk translation tools |
— |
✓ |
Priority support |
— |
✓ |
