# Error when compiling XLSForm: 'dict' object has no attribute 'nodeType' **URL:** \ **Category:** Support\ **Created:** [February 1, 2026, 4:21am UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638 "2026-02-01T04:21:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Yan\_WABO](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/yan_wabo/32/27967_2.png) [@Yan\_WABO](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Yan_WABO)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2026, 4:21am UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638/1 "2026-02-01T04:21:25Z")
Hello, I am trying to update and compile an XLSForm using XLSForm Online and Ona, but I keep getting the following error: 'dict' object has no attribute 'nodeType' My file is in `.xlsx` format, and I expected it to generate a valid `.xml` form. I have checked the survey and choices sheets, but the error persists. Could this be related to missing or misnamed columns, or an invalid reference between `select_one` and the choices list? Has anyone experienced this issue before, and what steps should I take to fix it? Thank you for your help! ---
**Author:** ![Grzesiek2010](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/grzesiek2010/32/2881_2.png) [@Grzesiek2010](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Grzesiek2010)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2026, 12:16pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638/2 "2026-02-01T12:16:06Z")
Hi @Yan_WABO It might be caused by incorrectly used multi-language support - see a similar issue here: [Error “Error: ‘dict’ object has no attribute ‘nodeType’”](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-error-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/53739). If that’s not the case, please attach your XLS file so we can take a look. ---
**Author:** ![Yan\_WABO](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/yan_wabo/32/27967_2.png) [@Yan\_WABO](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Yan_WABO)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2026, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638/3 "2026-02-01T22:18:22Z")
Hi @Grzesiek2010 Thank you for the suggestion. I have carefully checked both the _survey_ and _choices_ sheets, and everything seems to be in order. However, the problem still persists and I continue to get the same error message. Kindly find the attached XLS file for your review. Thank you again. [Rapport Hebdomadaire des stocks en vaccin\_V010226.xlsx](https://forum.getodk.org/uploads/short-url/t4NcJr7ejunJW5T3rdjx9N04keJ.xlsx) (164.0 KB) ---
**Author:** ![Grzesiek2010](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/grzesiek2010/32/2881_2.png) [@Grzesiek2010](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Grzesiek2010)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 12:49pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638/4 "2026-02-02T12:49:59Z")
The error is caused by the `hint::French` column being used in the **choices** sheet. Translatable labels and hints are supported only in the **survey** sheet. In the **choices** sheet, only translatable labels are allowed. You can add other columns in the choices sheet (for example, for `choice_filter`) and even name one of them `hint`, but without the `::French` suffix (i.e. without making it translatable). ---
**Author:** ![Yan\_WABO](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/yan_wabo/32/27967_2.png) [@Yan\_WABO](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Yan_WABO)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/error-when-compiling-xlsform-dict-object-has-no-attribute-nodetype/57638/5 "2026-02-02T14:16:23Z")
Dear @Grzesiek2010 Thank you for support. I just removed the hint column from choices sheet and all seems well now. Thank you again