Typemill 2.20.0: Multilanguage Websites

Multi-language support is literally the last missing link that transforms Typemill into a fully equipped CMS for countless use cases. Version 2.20.0 now introduces a new multi-language feature that handles all copying and cross-linking with just a few clicks. Download the latest version of Typemill from the start page.

Creating a Multi-Language Website

Following the introduction of Multi-Projects in version 2.19.0, you can now use projects to build multilanguage websites with crosslinks to each other. To set up a multi-language website, simply activate projects in Typemill's system settings and select the multilanguage options. After that, create new projects for each language, using the language code as the key on the left and the language name as the value on the right.

In the author area, you'll now see the familiar dropdown for switching between your language versions. You'll also notice a new language tab at the top of each page where you can create new language versions. To create a language version, add a new URL segment for the translation in the input fields for each language and click "create." Typemill will copy the original page to the project and link both pages, so you can switch between them easily.

It's important to understand that Typemill treats your main website as the default language and all projects as language variants. You always use the base language as the starting point for creating language versions. The language versions also provide a language tab, but it only links back to the base language without the option to create other translations.

Please note that only the Cyanine theme provides a language switch in the frontend right now. I will add this switch to the other themes at the beginning of next year.

A Workflow for Multi-Language Websites

Version 2.20.0 represents the foundation version of the multi-language feature, which I'll stabilize through several sub-releases next year. The goal is to translate language versions on the fly with minimal interaction, enabling you to run multi-language websites on autopilot if desired. Until then, multi-language websites require some manual work. Here is a workflow that works quite well for me:

1. Go to the base language, open each page one by one and copy the language versions with the language tab.
2. When you are ready with some folders or files, visit a language version.
3. I now open each page in Kixote and use an individual prompt (e.g. "de") to translate the page with AI. Then I translate the meta-tab manually.

Planned for 2026: Consolidations, eBooks, and More

I've already completed a new theme called "Publisher" that will showcase an eBook platform built entirely with Typemill and the new project feature. This enables you to create, manage, and publish multiple publications on a single platform. Here's a sneak preview of the demo project I'll likely publish in January next year.

In 2026 I want to focus on refining details and consolidating all features so everything works seamlessly together. For example, the multi-language feature will receive deep (but optional) integration with Kixote to enable automated translation workflows. The file and image handling has some bugs that I'll refactor. The email plugin will be integrated into Typemill's core, and I want to further enhance the editorial tools. Beyond that, I want to focus on more plugins, themes, and eBook layouts, while experimenting with self-hosted AI services for Kixote.

However, with version 2.20.0, the entire Typemill project has reached a very mature status, and I'm genuinely happy with the project as a whole. I sincerely hope you also enjoy the current version and the small ecosystem that has flourished around Typemill over the past 10 years.

I wish you pleasant days ahead and hope to see you all again next year.