How to Use WPS Format Painter on Windows

Last updated:July 15, 2026

Use WPS Format Painter with 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Find the Format Painter entry

Entry path: Home tab → Clipboard group → Format Painter

  1. Open WPS Writer and go to the document you want to edit.
  2. Click the Home tab at the top of the window.
  3. Find the Format Painter button in the Clipboard group.
  4. Confirm that the button is visible and ready to use.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The Format Painter button is visible on the Home tab.
  • Next action available: You can continue by selecting source content and copying its formatting.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not select content with existing formatting first, the copied result may not be what you expect.

2. Copy and apply formatting once

Entry path: Home tab → Clipboard group → Format Painter

  1. Select the text or paragraph that already has the formatting you want.
  2. Click Format Painter once. A brush icon appears next to the pointer.
  3. Select or drag across the target text.
  4. Check the target text to confirm that the formatting has been applied.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The target text shows the same font, size, color, or paragraph style as the source content.
  • Next action available: Format Painter exits automatically after one use.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you want to copy full paragraph formatting, select the entire paragraph before using the tool.

3. Apply the same formatting to multiple places

Entry path: Home tab → Clipboard group → Format Painter

  1. Select the text or paragraph with the formatting you want to reuse.
  2. Double-click Format Painter so the tool stays active.
  3. Select each target text or paragraph in turn.
  4. Press Esc when you are done.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: Multiple target locations receive the same formatting.
  • Next action available: You can continue applying the same formatting until you exit the tool.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you forget to exit the tool, later selections may continue receiving the copied formatting.

4. Use Format Painter from the floating toolbar

Entry path: Select content → floating toolbar → brush icon

  1. Select content that already has the formatting you want.
  2. Look for the floating toolbar near the selected content.
  3. Click the brush icon on the floating toolbar.
  4. Select the target content to apply the formatting.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: You can copy formatting without switching back to the top ribbon.
  • Next action available: You can continue editing the target content or start Format Painter again.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the floating toolbar does not appear, reselect the text and try again.