WPS Layout on Windows helps you manage page layout and header or footer rules in documents; this guide covers 4 core tasks, with 4 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 4 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 4 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
Layout in WPS Writer is a page setup feature for controlling where a new section begins, how headers and footers differ across pages, how far headers and footers sit from page edges, and where the settings apply.
Core tasks include:
- Set the section start position to control where a new section begins.
- Turn on Different first page and Different odd and even pages for separate header and footer rules.
- Adjust the distance from the page edge for headers and footers.
- Choose whether the settings apply to the whole document, selected text, or content after the insertion point.
This feature is useful for theses, reports, books, policy documents, and other long documents that need section-based page formatting.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | Local page setup features do not require a network connection |
| Other | You need to open or create a WPS Writer document |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Launch WPS Writer, open the Page tab, and enter Page Setup to confirm that the Layout tab is available |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | The Layout tab in Page Setup brings section start, different first page, different odd and even pages, header and footer distance from edge, and apply-to scope into one place. | Word supports different odd and even page headers and footers, and it also supports a different first page for headers and footers. | Google Docs highlights online collaboration, templates, pageless mode, and document tabs on its product page, but that page does not present an equivalent section-level layout panel like WPS. | Notion Layouts focuses on organizing properties and modules inside database pages rather than traditional document page layout settings. | Adobe Acrobat supports adding and editing headers and footers in PDFs for page identification and page numbering, with a focus on finished PDF documents. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: WPS places section start, header and footer rules, distance from edge, and apply-to scope in one layout entry. Distinct: It fits document editing workflows that need section-based page formatting before export or printing. | Compared with WPS: the cited Word page focuses on different odd and even pages, while the referenced page does not present the same all-in-one layout panel description. | Compared with WPS: the cited Google Docs page focuses more on collaboration and online editing than on traditional page layout controls. | Compared with WPS: Notion is centered more on information organization and database page structure than on print-style page layout and header or footer rules. | Compared with WPS: Adobe is more suitable for adding or editing headers and footers at the PDF stage rather than adjusting document layout during word processing. |
| Official Source | — | Different headers or footers | Google Docs product page | Notion Layouts | Headers and footers in PDFs |
Overall Conclusion
WPS Layout is well suited to document editing scenarios where page rules and section formatting need to be managed before printing or export. Other products support related tasks, but their focus is different, such as collaboration-first editing, database page organization, or PDF-stage editing.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main issue | How Layout helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Separate the cover page from the main body | Students, teachers | The first page needs different header or footer settings from the rest of the document | Turn on Different first page and edit the first page separately |
| 2 | Prepare double-sided book-style pages | Editors, publishing staff | Odd and even pages need different header content | Turn on Different odd and even pages |
| 3 | Manage sections in a long document | Administrative, legal, and research users | Different chapters need different section starts | Set the section start position |
| 4 | Keep header and footer spacing consistent | General document authors | Header and footer positions look uneven | Adjust the header and footer distance from edge |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Layout settings | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic PDF features | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB |
| Advanced templates and more advanced capabilities | Partially limited | More items available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday document formatting and basic page setup | Free | The Layout feature itself is available directly for regular document editing |
| More cloud storage, templates, or broader advanced office features | WPS Premium | Suitable for users who often work across multiple documents and need more extended resources |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page