The Best Translation-Friendly CMS Platforms for Multilingual Websites

Creating a multilingual website demands a Content Management System (CMS) equipped with robust translation and localisation capabilities. A genuinely multilingual CMS goes beyond simple text translation, offering features like translation workflows, XLIFF and CSV import/export, and tools to ensure seamless cultural adaptation. Below, we explore the top 15 CMS platforms with genuine multilingual capabilities, highlighting their unique features and suitability for global businesses.
1. WordPress
WordPress remains the most popular CMS globally, thanks to its extensive multilingual plugins, such as WPML, Polylang, and TranslatePress. These plugins enable translation of posts, pages, tags, categories, and even themes. Advanced tools like WPML also support XLIFF file import/export, making collaboration with professional translation agencies seamless.
- Multilingual Features: Plugin-based multilingual support, translation workflows.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF, CSV (via plugins like WPML).
- Ideal For: Businesses of all sizes requiring flexibility and a vast plugin ecosystem.
Find it here: WPML Documentation

2. Drupal
Drupal’s multilingual capabilities are built into its core, allowing for the translation of content, configuration, and even the administrative interface. With support for workflows and XLIFF file export/import, Drupal is a favourite for complex, enterprise-level websites.
- Multilingual Features: Built-in language detection, content translation, configuration translation.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Enterprises and organisations with complex multilingual requirements.
Find it here: Drupal.org
4. Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
AEM is a premium CMS offering advanced multilingual and translation features. It integrates directly with translation services and supports workflows for managing large-scale localization projects.
- Multilingual Features: Built-in translation workflows, service integrations.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Large enterprises with extensive localization needs.
Find it here: Adobe Experience Manager
5. Sitecore
Sitecore excels in managing multilingual content through its enterprise-grade capabilities. It supports advanced translation workflows and integrates seamlessly with translation providers.
- Multilingual Features: Language versioning, content segmentation.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Enterprise businesses prioritizing content personalization and scalability.
Find it here: Sitecore.com

6. Contentful
Contentful is a headless CMS that supports multilingual content creation and management. Its API-driven framework allows for custom workflows and seamless integrations with translation tools.
- Multilingual Features: Flexible content model, API integrations.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF, CSV (via integrations).
- Ideal For: Developers and enterprises seeking customisation and scalability.
Find it here: Contentful
7. Optimizely (formerly Episerver)
Optimizely offers robust tools for creating and managing multilingual content, including translation workflows and service integrations. It’s particularly strong in analytics and optimisation.
- Multilingual Features: Built-in workflows, analytics integration.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Businesses focused on performance optimisation.
Find it here: Optimizely
8. Kentico
Kentico’s multilingual capabilities include translation workflows, language versioning, and integration with third-party translation services. It supports XLIFF file import/export, simplifying professional collaboration.
- Multilingual Features: Versioning, workflow management.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Mid-sized businesses requiring structured workflows.
Find it here: Kentico
9. Craft CMS
Craft CMS is known for its user-friendly interface and strong multilingual support. It provides robust tools for content localization, including field-level translations and workflow customisation.
- Multilingual Features: Field-level translations, flexible workflows.
- File Compatibility: Limited native support but extensible with plugins.
- Ideal For: Creative agencies and businesses needing customisation.
Find it here: Craft CMS
10. Webflow
While Webflow doesn’t have native multilingual support, third-party integrations like Weglot and Localize enable translation workflows. Webflow’s design flexibility makes it a favourite among designers.
- Multilingual Features: Third-party integrations for translation.
- File Compatibility: Limited.
- Ideal For: Designers and small businesses.
Find it here: Webflow
11. BigCommerce
BigCommerce facilitates multilingual e-commerce through plugins and APIs. It’s particularly strong in creating localized storefronts with language-specific catalogs.
- Multilingual Features: Language-specific catalogs, API integrations.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF via extensions.
- Ideal For: E-commerce businesses.
Find it here: BigCommerce
12. Shopify
Shopify supports multilingual functionality through apps like Langify and Weglot. It’s a user-friendly option for small to medium-sized businesses entering international markets.
- Multilingual Features: App-based translation.
- File Compatibility: CSV (via apps).
- Ideal For: Small businesses in e-commerce.
Find it here: Shopify
13. Typo3
Typo3’s open-source nature makes it a flexible CMS for multilingual projects. It supports advanced translation workflows and integrates well with localization tools.
- Multilingual Features: Advanced workflows, language detection.
- File Compatibility: XLIFF.
- Ideal For: Medium to large businesses.
Find it here: Typo3.org
14. SilverStripe
SilverStripe provides a flexible framework for multilingual websites, featuring translation extensions and an intuitive interface for language management.
- Multilingual Features: Translation extensions, language management.
- File Compatibility: Limited.
- Ideal For: Developers needing flexibility.
Find it here: SilverStripe
Finding the Perfect Multilingual CMS for Your Needs
Choosing the right CMS for your multilingual website is a nuanced process that requires more than just reviewing a list of options. To ensure the platform aligns with your company’s goals and workflows, it’s essential to adopt a structured and collaborative approach. Here’s how to make the best decision:
- Examine Your Content Lifecycle: Assess the entire process of content creation, localization, and distribution. Treat localization as an integrated part of your workflow, not just an afterthought.
- Engage Your Team Early: Collaborate with all stakeholders to define your needs from a CMS. Involving multiple perspectives ensures that both technical and business requirements are addressed.
- Set Clear Localization Standards: Establish guidelines in collaboration with your team and translation partners to ensure consistency in tone, terminology, and formatting across languages.
- Consult with Translation Experts: Speak with your current translation provider, or connect with an experienced one, to gain insights into CMS compatibility and integration options that best suit your needs.
Don’t Forget How Translators Work with the Back-End
A common misconception when choosing a CMS is the assumption that translators can simply log in and work directly within the back-end of a website. This is rarely practical and often counterproductive. The back-end of a CMS is designed for managing the structure and functionality of the site, not for performing translations. Expecting a translator to navigate the complexities of a CMS’s back-end is akin to asking a developer to code in Photoshop—it’s not the right tool for the job.
Instead, a well-equipped CMS should:
- Facilitate Export/Import: Support industry-standard formats like XLIFF or CSV to allow translators to work in dedicated translation tools rather than the CMS itself.
- Provide Content Preview Options: Enable translators to see how their work will appear on the site without needing to access the back-end directly.
- Offer Intuitive Interfaces: Include translation management systems or plugins that bridge the gap between content creators and localization teams.
By understanding the workflows of translators and the technical demands of localization, you can ensure smoother collaboration and higher-quality results. Choosing a CMS with strong localization support ensures translators can focus on creating impactful, accurate content without unnecessary technical hurdles.