WPS Developer Tools on Windows: Introduction

WPS Developer Tools is the advanced feature entry in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows; it includes 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
Version note	VB Editor related functions require the VBA plug-in	Applies to VBA-related operations

About This Feature

Overview

Developer Tools is the advanced feature entry built into WPS Spreadsheet on Windows for accessing macros, VBA editing, add-in management, and switching to the JavaScript environment.

Key capabilities include:

Showing the Developer tab for faster access to advanced controls.
Running macros and recording new macros for repetitive spreadsheet work.
Opening the VB Editor and checking macro security settings for VBA maintenance.
Managing add-ins, COM add-ins, WPS add-ins, and switching to the JS environment for extension workflows.

This feature is useful for spreadsheet automation, maintaining existing macro projects, managing extensions, and moving between different development environments in one workbook workflow.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows desktop environment that can run the current version of WPS Office
App version	The current version of WPS Office is recommended; install the VBA plug-in before using VB Editor related functions
Network	Internet access is needed for online services, plug-in downloads, or extension resources; local macros and local add-in management can be used offline
Other	You need permission to open WPS Spreadsheet files, and macro or add-in files should come from trusted sources

Download & Installation

Before using Developer Tools, install WPS Office for Windows. If you plan to use VB Editor related functions, complete the VBA plug-in installation when prompted.

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Verification after installation	Open WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Tools tab, and confirm that the Developer button is available
VBA environment	When you open VB Editor for the first time, install the VBA plug-in if a prompt appears

Source: WPS download page

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	Provides direct entries in WPS Spreadsheet for Run Macro, Record New Macro, Macro Security, VB Editor, Add-ins, COM Add-ins, WPS Add-ins, and Switch to JS Environment.	Microsoft provides Word VBA references and Office add-in development models for building VBA-based solutions and extending Office experiences.	Google Apps Script is used to integrate, automate, and extend Google Workspace, with macro-related automation centered on Google Sheets.	Notion provides buttons, database buttons, and connections for workflow automation such as notifications, email, and webhook actions.	Adobe provides Acrobat plugin development and JavaScript extension capabilities for controlling Acrobat, processing PDF files, and extending application behavior.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: The entry is integrated directly into the WPS Spreadsheet interface, so macro, VBA, add-in, and JS environment controls are grouped in one place. Advantage: It is more focused on spreadsheet automation and extension management inside the workbook workspace.	Compared with WPS: Microsoft documentation emphasizes VBA references and external development models, with broader developer documentation rather than a spreadsheet-centered control tab in this context.	Compared with WPS: Google automation depends on Apps Script and is oriented to cloud-based Workspace workflows rather than a desktop developer tab inside a spreadsheet app.	Compared with WPS: Notion focuses on page and database workflow automation, not a spreadsheet developer tab with macro and VBA controls.	Compared with WPS: Adobe focuses on PDF and Acrobat extension scenarios rather than spreadsheet developer controls.
Official Source	—	Word VBA reference	Apps Script	Buttons	Developing Plugins

Overall Conclusion
If your work centers on spreadsheet macros, VBA, add-ins, and environment switching, WPS Developer Tools offers a more concentrated entry inside WPS Spreadsheet. Microsoft, Google, Notion, and Adobe also provide automation or extension frameworks, but their official solutions are oriented toward Office development, cloud automation, workflow automation, or PDF application extension.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable For	Core Need	Solution
1	Show the Developer entry	Spreadsheet users who need macros or add-ins	Advanced controls are not easy to reach from the default view	Open the Developer tab from the Tools tab
2	Automate repetitive work	Users who repeat spreadsheet tasks often	Manual repetition takes time	Use Run Macro or Record New Macro
3	Maintain VBA code	Advanced users maintaining existing scripts	Need to review or edit macro code	Open the VB Editor
4	Manage extension components	Users who need external extensions	Plugin entries need centralized access	Use Add-ins, COM Add-ins, and WPS Add-ins

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free Users	WPS Premium
Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation core apps	Available	Available
Developer Tools entry and related spreadsheet basics	Available based on current product support	Available
Some advanced features, such as selected advanced PDF editing tools	May be limited	Broader access to advanced features
Cloud storage and selected value-added services	Basic quota	Higher quota or more value-added services

Source: WPS Office pricing page; Why pay for WPS Office

Recommendations

Usage Scenario	Recommended Plan	Why
You only need to open Developer Tools, review entries, and use basic spreadsheet functions	Free	The feature information shows no membership restriction for Developer Tools, which fits everyday use and basic automation entry access
You also need more advanced components, value-added services, or more cloud storage	WPS Premium	Better for users who also rely on broader advanced features and service benefits

Membership page: Subscribe to WPS Premium

Source: WPS Office pricing page