How to Use WPS Format Painter on Windows

Use WPS Format Painter with 2 how-to topics, including one-time use and continuous use; choose a topic from the How-to Index and follow the entry point and steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Use Format Painter Once

Entry point: Home → Format Painter

1. Select the cell or range that already has the formatting you want to copy.
2. Click the Format Painter button on the Home tab.
3. When the pointer changes to a brush, drag to select the target range where you want to apply the formatting.
4. Release the mouse to apply the formatting. The tool then exits automatically.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The target range shows the same font, color, border, fill, and other formatting as the source range.
• Next actions: You can continue editing, save the file, or keep working in the spreadsheet.
• No side effects: Cell content and formulas are not replaced by the copied formatting.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If you click Format Painter before selecting the source cell, the formatting may not be copied correctly.
• Environment limits: In a collaborative file, the button may be unavailable if you only have view permission.

2. Use Format Painter Continuously

Entry point: Home → Format Painter

1. Select the cell or range that already has the formatting you want to copy.
2. Double-click Format Painter to enter continuous mode.
3. Apply the copied formatting to each target range one by one.
4. When you finish, press Esc or click the Format Painter icon again to exit continuous mode.

Success Criteria

• UI state: Multiple target ranges receive the same formatting, and Format Painter stays active until you exit it manually.
• Next actions: After exiting continuous mode, you can continue editing, save the file, or switch worksheets.
• No side effects: Repeated use copies formatting only and does not copy cell content or formulas.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If you forget to exit continuous mode, it can affect normal selection afterward.
• Environment limits: When you use format painter across worksheets, keep the tool active before switching to the target worksheet.