Running a multilingual Magento store presents unique challenges, and one common issue merchants face is how Magento language handles customizable product options after an order is placed.
When a product with customizable options is added to the cart, the options dynamically change language when the customer switches the store language. However, once an order is placed, the language of those options is locked and does not change—even if the admin switches the store language in the backend. This can create inconsistencies in order processing and internal documentation.
How Magento Handles Customizable Options in Multilanguage Stores
Magento’s multilingual functionality is based on store views, each representing a different language. When a customer browses a Magento store, they interact with the product data based on the selected store view.
However, Magento does not store customizable options in multiple languages at the order level. Instead, when an order is placed, the options are saved exactly as they were at the time of purchase. This means:
- If a customer adds a product with customizable options in English and switches the language to French before placing the order, the options will appear in French in the order details.
- If the order is later viewed in the Magento admin panel, changing the store language will not update the language of the product’s customizable options—they remain in the language in which they were saved when the order was placed.
This behavior can cause confusion, especially when:
- Admin users are processing orders in a different language than the one in which they were placed.
- Internal documentation or invoices need to be printed in a specific language.
- Multilingual teams handle order fulfillment and need clarity on the product details.
Why This Can Be a Problem for Store Owners
Many businesses expect Magento’s multilingual system to apply consistently across all order details, but the way custom options are stored can lead to the following issues:
Inconsistent Order Details in the Admin Panel
If a store operates in multiple languages, admins may struggle to process orders when options are saved in different languages depending on the customer’s checkout language. This can be challenging for fulfillment teams if they receive orders in a language they don’t understand.
Language Mismatch on Invoices and Packing Slips
If an order is placed in French but needs to be processed in English, Magento won’t automatically translate the options. This creates issues for warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, or suppliers who require documentation in a consistent language.
Confusing Internal Documentation
Some businesses print order details for internal use, and a mix of languages in order records can lead to mistakes. For example, if a German-speaking staff member processes an order originally placed in Spanish, they may struggle to understand the options.
Potential Solutions: How to Fix This Issue in Magento
Several methods can address the multilingual order details issue in Magento, depending on technical expertise and business needs.
1. Using an Extension to Standardize Order Language
Some Magento extensions allow merchants to control the language used for order details. These can:
- Automatically save product options in a default language (e.g., English), regardless of the checkout language.
- Provide translation tools within the admin panel, allowing manual adjustments to order details if needed.
Some order management extensions for Magento may already include this functionality or allow customization to achieve it.
2. Customizing Magento’s Order Saving Process
If an extension isn’t available or doesn’t fully meet your needs, a custom development solution can be implemented:
- A developer can modify the way Magento stores order data to always save customizable options in a primary language instead of the customer’s checkout language.
- This may involve custom scripts or modifications to the Magento database structure to ensure multilingual compatibility.
While this approach requires technical expertise, it provides a permanent and flexible solution for businesses with frequent multilingual orders.
3. Generating Language-Specific Order Documents
If the issue primarily affects printed invoices or packing slips, another option is to use a custom invoice and order document generator.
Magento allows customization of PDF invoices, packing slips, and order confirmation emails. By integrating a language switcher within order documents, store owners can:
- Generate order documents in a specific language (e.g., English) for internal processing.
- Allow customers to receive order confirmations in their selected language.
4. Restricting Language Switching After Cart Addition
Another way to prevent inconsistencies is to restrict language switching after a customer adds a product to the cart.
By implementing a rule that locks the language once a product is added, customers can only check out in the language they started shopping in. This ensures that all product options remain consistent from cart to order placement.
This approach works well for businesses that want to simplify order processing but may not be ideal for stores where customers frequently switch languages before checkout.
Final Thoughts: Should Magento Fix This by Default?
While Magento is a flexible platform, multilingual order management could be improved. Store owners expect that switching store languages should apply consistently across all parts of the system, including orders and invoices.
For now, the best approach is to either customize Magento’s order-saving process or use an extension to manage how product options are stored and displayed. With the right setup, merchants can ensure that order details remain clear and understandable across all languages, preventing miscommunication and processing delays.
If you’re running a multilingual Magento store and frequently deal with customizable product options, considering one of the solutions above can help streamline operations and improve efficiency.