How to Use WPS Cross-Workbook Reference on Windows

Use Cross-Workbook Reference with 4 how-to topics, including the quick = trigger, inserting a reference, changing a reference, and updating a reference; 4 items are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Type = in the formula bar to trigger Cross-Workbook Reference

Feature entry: Select a cell and type = in the formula bar.

1. Select the cell where you want the referenced result to appear.
2. Type = in the formula bar.
3. Check the prompt below the formula bar for Reference data from another spreadsheet.
4. Click the prompt to open the file selection interface for Cross-Workbook Reference.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: You can see the prompt and open the selection interface.
• Next action available: You can continue by choosing the target file and reference range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not select the destination cell first, the reference may be inserted in the wrong place.
• Environment note: Collaborative files need to remain accessible during the process.

2. Insert a Cross-Workbook Reference from the Formulas tab

Feature entry: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook Reference → Insert Cross-Workbook Reference.

1. Click the Formulas tab at the top of the window.
2. Find Cross-Workbook Reference on the toolbar.
3. Click the drop-down arrow and select Insert Cross-Workbook Reference.
4. Select the file that you want to reference.
5. Enter a range in the Select Reference Range box, or drag to select a range in the sheet.
6. Click Insert Reference.
7. Check the formula and returned result in the current cell.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The current cell is filled with the reference formula automatically.
• Next action available: The cell shows the referenced result and can be used in further calculations or copied elsewhere.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: An incorrect range returns unexpected results.
• Environment note: You need access to the target file, and collaborative files also require permission.

3. Change an existing Cross-Workbook Reference

Feature entry: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook Reference → Change Cross-Workbook Reference.

1. Click Cross-Workbook Reference on the Formulas tab.
2. Select Change Cross-Workbook Reference from the drop-down menu.
3. In the reference list, select the item that you want to modify.
4. Change the target file or the reference range.
5. Click OK to save the change.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The target information in the reference list is updated.
• Next action available: The current cell or related formula returns results based on the new reference.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not confirm the correct reference item first, you may edit the wrong formula.
• Environment note: If the target file has been moved or deleted, select a valid file again.

4. Update Cross-Workbook Reference results

Feature entry: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook Reference → Update References.

1. Click Cross-Workbook Reference on the Formulas tab.
2. Select Update References from the drop-down menu.
3. Wait while WPS refreshes the cross-workbook references in the current workbook.
4. Check whether the cell results now match the latest data in the source file.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The referenced results finish refreshing.
• Next action available: You can continue analyzing, saving, or sharing the workbook with updated values.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the source file has not been saved, the refreshed result may still show older data.
• Environment note: Local file references need a valid file path, and collaborative files need continued access permission.