WPS Reading Mode helps you review collaborative spreadsheets with fewer accidental edits; this guide covers 1 core task, with 1 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 1 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 1 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | No indexed task requires membership |
About This Feature
Overview
Reading Mode is a viewing state for collaborative spreadsheets. When you turn it on, you can keep reading the sheet content while avoiding direct edits to cells or other changes. It is useful when you need to review shared data, check a report, or look through a sheet before making updates.
This mode separates reading from editing. You can switch to Reading Mode when you want a cleaner review flow, then return to Edit Mode when you are ready to make changes.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office and access collaborative spreadsheets |
| App status | A current WPS Office installation is recommended for a stable collaboration experience |
| Network | An internet connection is recommended when opening collaborative spreadsheets and switching modes |
| Other | You need access to a collaborative spreadsheet and the mode switch at the top of the page |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office, open a collaborative spreadsheet, and confirm that the Edit Mode / Reading Mode switch appears near the top of the page |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Comparison Item | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | In collaborative spreadsheets, WPS lets you switch between Edit Mode and Reading Mode from the top of the page to reduce accidental changes while reviewing content. | Word offers Read Mode, which hides writing tools while keeping reading-related actions such as page navigation, copy, comments, and translation. | Google Drive uses Viewer, Commenter, and Editor permissions to separate viewing from editing for shared files. | Notion offers Lock page and Lock database options to keep content in a protected read-only state. | Acrobat offers Read Mode to hide toolbars and task panes and focus on the document view. |
| WPS Advantages | Distinct: WPS provides an in-page mode switch for collaborative spreadsheets, which is convenient when you want to review first and return to editing right away. | Compared with WPS: Microsoft focuses on document reading tools rather than a spreadsheet-specific in-page reading switch. | Compared with WPS: Google mainly separates access through sharing permissions, which is useful for permission control but less direct for one user switching reading state inside the page. | Compared with WPS: Notion emphasizes locking content for protection, while WPS focuses on quickly moving between reading and editing during spreadsheet work. | Compared with WPS: Adobe is designed for PDF reading rather than collaborative spreadsheet review. |
| Official Source | — | Read documents in Word | Share files from Google Drive | Collaborate in a workspace | Viewing PDFs and viewing preferences |
Overall Conclusion
Overall, WPS Reading Mode is well suited to spreadsheet review in collaborative work because it reduces accidental edits and makes it easy to switch back to editing when needed. Other products also provide read-only or reading-focused experiences, but they are more centered on document reading, permission control, page locking, or PDF viewing.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable For | Main Need | How Reading Mode Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reviewing a shared report | Team members | Avoid clicking or changing cells by mistake while reading data | Lets you focus on the sheet in a read-only state |
| 2 | Presenting a spreadsheet in a meeting | Presenters | Keep displayed data unchanged during a presentation | Maintains a viewing state instead of an editing state |
| 3 | Checking content before editing | Reviewers | Read first, then decide whether changes are needed | Makes it easy to review first and switch back later |
| 4 | Viewing a sheet with multiple collaborators | Collaborative teams | Reduce unnecessary edits during shared viewing | Helps separate viewing from editing |
| 5 | Quick read-only browsing | General users | Open and review content without entering editing right away | Provides a direct mode switch from the top area |
Membership & Benefits
Reading Mode for collaborative spreadsheets is available in the indexed task without membership; this section explains general plan differences, recommendations, and where to subscribe.
Free vs WPS Premium
| Item | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Mode in collaborative spreadsheets | Available | Available |
| Basic PDF features | Included | Includes additional advanced features |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB, based on the pricing page display |
| Template downloads | Limited | More content available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You mainly need to view collaborative spreadsheets and switch Reading Mode on or off | Free | The indexed Reading Mode task is available without membership |
| You also want more cloud storage, templates, or additional office features | WPS Premium | Better suited to broader day-to-day office needs |
How to Subscribe
- Visit the WPS Office pricing page to review available plans and subscription options.
Source: WPS Office pricing page