How to Use WPS Cross-Workbook References on macOS

Use Cross-Workbook References with 4 how-to topics, including quick entry triggering, inserting references, changing references, and updating references; use the How-to Index to jump to the section you need.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Trigger Cross-Workbook References by Typing an Equal Sign

Entry point: Select a cell and type = in the formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want the referenced result to appear in the current workbook.
2. Type =.
3. Check the prompt below the formula bar for the option to reference data from another spreadsheet.
4. Click the prompt to open the file selection screen for cross-workbook references.

Success Criteria

• UI state: A cross-workbook reference selection screen appears.
• Next actions: You can continue choosing the target file and reference range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If you do not select the target cell first, the reference may be inserted in the wrong location.
• Environment limits: Keep an internet connection when referencing cloud files.

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

Entry point: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook References → Insert Cross-Workbook Reference

1. Click the Formulas tab at the top of the window.
2. Find the Cross-Workbook References button.
3. Click the drop-down arrow and select Insert Cross-Workbook Reference.
4. Choose the target file.
5. In the Select Reference Range box, type the range or drag to select the range in the sheet.
6. Click Insert Reference.
7. Review the reference formula and returned result in the current cell.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The current cell is filled with a reference formula automatically.
• Next actions: The cell shows data from the source file and can be used for copying or further calculations.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: Inserting the reference before confirming the range may return the wrong area.
• Environment limits: The source file should be saved and accessible.

3. Change an Existing Cross-Workbook Reference

Entry point: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook References → Change Cross-Workbook Reference

1. Click Cross-Workbook References on the Formulas tab.
2. Select Change Cross-Workbook Reference from the drop-down menu.
3. Review the list of cross-workbook references in the current workbook.
4. Select the reference item that you want to modify.
5. Change the target file or reference range.
6. Click OK to apply the change.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The selected item in the reference list is updated.
• Next actions: The current cell can display the new referenced result.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If you do not confirm the original reference item first, you may edit the wrong link.
• Environment limits: You still need access permission to the target file.

4. Update Cross-Workbook Reference Results

Entry point: Formulas tab → Cross-Workbook References → Update References

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

Success Criteria

• UI state: Referenced results are refreshed with the latest source content.
• Next actions: You can continue editing, calculating, or saving the current workbook.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If the source file has not been saved, the refreshed result may not match your expectation.
• Environment limits: For local file references, make sure the source file can be read before refreshing.