WPS File Format | .wps Extension

WPS, a file extension stands for Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet. Released by Microsoft Works Word Processor (MWWP), it is now an outdated file and has been replaced by Microsoft Office or the word .doc file. It was first started in the year 1988 and discontinued after 2006. It contains word-processing documents that require editing and formatting and also consists of spreadsheets, text, images, pie charts, etc.

How to create a WPS file

Step 1: Install WPS Office for Windows or Mac from the website: https://www.wps.com/

Installation

Step 2: Click New File from the navigation bar on the left side of WPS Office.

Adding New File

Step 3: To create a document or a spreadsheet click on the particular links & click on a blank page.

Blank Page

How to open a WPS file

Holding the property of versatility, WPS files can be opened by Microsoft Office, Libre Office, or Neo Office. However, as it has not much in use since 2006, it is difficult to use the ideal software that is The Works to open the file as it has been discontinued since the availability of Office and Word files. To open WPS files Office can be used, but to edit the content the file first needs to be changed to a .docx, .ppt format only then it will be editable. Microsoft Office also provides an option to convert the .wps files into .pdf files to open and edit the files.

Follow the similar steps mentioned above to create a WPS file and then click on the particular directory on which you have saved your file to open and edit or go on Recent Folders.

Applications

Before 2006, WPS files were once a part of the industry standard and were much more frequent in accessing text files, excel sheets, images, charts tables, etc. It is very similar to the Microsoft Word files. Some uses of WPS files are as follows :

• The works software helped in the creation of WPS files that allowed the user to create documents that contained Textual as well as Graphical information. It was used to make resumes, or CVs, write journals, create Excel sheets for data handling, add images and graphic elements to create visually appealing posters, etc. However, the Works software no longer exists with the upcoming MS Office.
• Microsoft Works also provides an option for Collaborative work on the WPS files. Several users can create a document and edit and work on the same portfolio or design. While many office suites do not provide this, a WPS file makes working on a project easier.
• It is helpful in the creation of Event planners, or the to-do list. It allows the creation of schedules and plans them accordingly.

Limitations

• WPS files lack in textual and visual formatting and do not provide more options for design and styles. Being an old model, the features of the format are outdated and do not give a chance for the user to be creative and make the document visually attractive.
• Since it is outdated now, using WPS files poses a risk as the new software demands the conversion of WPS files. This conversion might lead to loss of data and potentially pose security threats if the file contains sensitive information.
• WPS files are not compatible to be accessed by any software. Many websites face restrictions while opening files in WPS format and this decreases the amount of available features and options to edit the document.

Conclusion

On the whole, it depends on the user and its wish as to which file it wants to work on. But being an outdated model today many users prefer using Microsoft Word or docs or ppts to create files and not WPS format. This is because the chances to edit create, or open the WPS file are reduced to a much greater extent today due to the unavailability of proper software to access the WPS files.