> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.parta.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.parta.io/translation/set-multilingual-courses.md).

# Set Multilingual Courses

Keep several languages in one course and learn how Language Versions are linked to the Parent Language.

### What is a Multilingual Course?

A **Multilingual Course** is a course that contains several languages. Learners switch languages in the course player, and their progress is kept.

A Multilingual Course consists of:

* a **Parent Language**, the original language of the course. All translations are made from it. The Parent Language is marked with a crown icon in the **Course Languages** table;
* **Language Versions**, translations of the course into other languages. Language Versions are linked to the Parent Language and follow its changes.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Multilingual courses are enabled for each company separately. If the **Translation** tab of your Project doesn't have the **Multilingual Course** tab, contact Parta.io support.
{% endhint %}

### What is the Difference Between Multilingual Course and Standalone Translation?

The **Translation** tab of a Project contains 2 tabs:

| **Tab**                | **Result**                                         | **Use for**                                                                      |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Multilingual Course    | Language Versions inside the same course.          | Keeping all languages in one course and tracking changes of the Parent Language. |
| Standalone Translation | A separate copy of the course in another language. | An independent course for one language.                                          |

### How are Language Versions Linked to the Parent Language?

**Shared by all languages:**

* course structure: sections, blocks and elements;
* block settings, element styles, Pro mode layouts and branding;
* comments and tasks.

**Stored separately for each language:**

* course name and section names;
* text in blocks, including answer options, captions and alt text;
* media files uploaded for this language;
* logic settings of elements;
* [interface labels](/translation/set-multilingual-courses/translate-interface-labels.md).

{% hint style="success" %}
Add, delete and move sections, blocks and elements only in the Parent Language. See [Edit a Language Version in the Editor](/translation/set-multilingual-courses/edit-a-language-version-in-the-editor.md).
{% endhint %}

### When Does a Translation Become Outdated?

A block becomes **Outdated** in every Language Version after any change of this block in the Parent Language: text, formatting, media, element settings or styles.

* Changes in a Language Version don't affect the Parent Language or other languages;
* Undo (**Ctrl + Z**) in the Parent Language counts as a new change;
* Restoring a block from block history makes the translation synced again.

Outdated blocks look blurred in the editor until you update them. See [Translate a Multilingual Course](/translation/set-multilingual-courses/translate-a-multilingual-course.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Language Versions have no block history and no undo.
{% endhint %}

### What Happens When You Copy a Course?

* When you duplicate a Project, all languages are copied. The edit history is not copied;
* When you move a section to a Project with another Parent Language, only one language is moved: the synced translation into the language of that Project or, if there's none, the Parent Language;
* Templates are inserted and saved only in the Parent Language.

### What do Learners See?

The course player shows a language switcher if the published course has 2 or more languages. The course opens in the language of the learner's browser. If there is no such language, the Parent Language opens.

To style the switcher, use the [Language](/branding/set-branding/section/language.md) branding section.

### How to Export a Multilingual Course?

SCORM, Dynamic SCORM, HTML, Skilljar and Content Space exports have a **Multilingual Course** section. See [Export a Course](/export/export-a-course.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only **Synced** languages can be exported. The Parent Language is always included.
{% endhint %}

A new language appears in Content Space and in embeds only after you update the published content.

### Who Can Work with Translations?

Users whose Project role allows content editing can view, edit and delete Language Versions and edit interface labels. Users with the view-only Project role can't work with translations.

### What Happens if Multilingual Courses are Turned Off?

The **Multilingual Course** tab, language switchers and translation actions are hidden, and courses are exported in the Parent Language only. Translations are not deleted. When the feature is turned on again, everything is restored.

### Limitations

* Phrase and Lara are available only for [Standalone Translation](/translation/set-standalone-translation.md);
* Alt text of images in Card and Splitter elements, link previews and video covers is not copied to Language Versions;
* Importing the same translation file again replaces the manual edits made after the previous import.

### Manage Translations with Parta MCP

With Parta MCP, an AI agent can list the languages of a course, translate a Language Version, read and update its content, and export or import translation files. See [Explore Parta MCP Tools](/mcp/explore-parta-mcp-tools.md).