Overview

Language management is the most sensitive point in a multilingual project because it defines which versions exist in the backoffice and which ones can already be seen on the website. Ideally, always validate the combination of Active, Public and Default before saving.

Active
Public
Default

1

Where to manage this

Backoffice → Internationalization → Languages

Language list in Studio CMS with active, public and default states
The Languages list shows code, locale, order and the main states that control language behavior in the project.
2

Step by step

Enable or disable a language safely

1. Enter the languages area

In the sidebar menu, open Translations and go into Languages to see the complete list of languages configured in the project.

2. Identify the right language

Confirm the code, locale and language name before changing any state, so you avoid editing the wrong row.

3. Review Active, Public and Default

Active means the language is operational in the backoffice. Public indicates whether the language can already appear on the website. Default should remain only on the project’s main language.

4. Save the change

After reviewing the states, save the change and confirm that the row still has the expected configuration.

5. Validate the effect on the website

If the language has become public, test navigation, menus and a few essential pages to make sure the experience is not incomplete.

Important: publishing a language only makes sense when the main content, critical labels, menus and SEO have already been reviewed in that language.
3

What to validate before saving

Checks that prevent configuration mistakes

Main language

Confirm that the default language is still the correct one. Normally, a project only has one main language.

Actual visibility

An active but non-public language can be useful for internal work or editorial preparation before publication.

Order

Language order can affect internal reading, listing logic and even how the team validates each language.

Consistency

If a language was disabled, confirm that menus or public access points are not still pointing to that version.

Practical tip: if you are preparing a new language, first work with it active in the backoffice and only make it public once the review is complete.
4

Explore also

Related pages