Add Movable X Marks or Check Boxes to a Word Matrix Form in WPS Writer
Question details
The user needs a reliable way to add movable X marks or interactive check boxes to a Word-compatible matrix form in WPS Writer, without relying on spaces for alignment.
- Product
- WPS Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a performance or satisfaction matrix form in which users place a mark in the appropriate table cell.
- Observed behavior
- Check boxes aligned with spaces can look correct initially but may become unstable when zoom level, fonts, or formatting change; different colors for marks from multiple users are not reliably supported.
Open the matrix document in WPS Writer and make sure the Developer tab is enabled before inserting form controls. Use a table-based layout for each matrix position so alignment is controlled by cells instead of spaces.
Create a stable matrix with check box content controls in WPS Writer
Use this method when users need clickable check boxes in each matrix cell and the form must remain stable across different zoom levels and Word-compatible apps.
Check box content controls placed inside table cells are more stable than controls aligned with spaces. WPS Writer saves the form as a .docx file, so the check boxes continue to work when the document is opened in Microsoft Word.
Open WPS Writer, click the Menu button in the top-left corner, go to Options > Customize Ribbon, and enable the Developer tab.
Click the Developer tab, place the cursor in the first matrix cell, and choose Check Box Content Control to insert a clickable check box.
Delete any extra spaces around the check box, then select the cell and use the table alignment or paragraph center buttons to center the control horizontally and vertically.
Select the check box content control and copy it, then paste it into each remaining cell in the matrix. Adjust cell alignment as needed.
Save the document as .docx and test clicking each check box at different zoom levels and on another device to confirm the layout remains stable.
Use centered X marks in table cells when interactive check boxes are not required
Use this method if you only need a printable or non-interactive matrix and want reviewers to type or place an X in the correct cell.
Build a stable Word-compatible matrix form with WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer's Developer tab and table cell alignment to create a matrix with clickable check boxes or centered X marks that stays stable and remains compatible with Microsoft Word.
- 1. Enable Developer tools in WPS Writer: Open WPS Writer and click the Menu button, then go to Options > Customize Ribbon and enable the Developer tab.
- 2. Insert check boxes into the matrix: On the Developer tab, place the cursor in each table cell and choose Check Box Content Control to add a clickable mark.
- 3. Align controls with cell alignment: Remove extra spaces and use the table cell alignment or paragraph center options to center each check box or X mark within its cell.
- 4. Save as a Word-compatible document: Save the completed form as a .docx file so it can be opened and filled in with Microsoft Word as well as WPS Writer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do check boxes move when I align them with spaces in a Word matrix?
Spaces change width depending on the font, zoom level, and device rendering. Placing check boxes or X marks inside table cells and using cell alignment keeps them in position.
Can different reviewers use different colors for their check marks in this type of form?
No, check box content controls and basic X marks do not reliably support reviewer-specific colors. Use separate copies, initials, or a review column if you need to distinguish multiple people.
How do I enable the Developer tab in WPS Writer?
Click the Menu button in the top-left corner, choose Options > Customize Ribbon, then enable Developer. The Developer tab will appear in the ribbon.
Will these check boxes still work if someone opens the form in Microsoft Word?
Yes. Save the WPS Writer document as .docx. Word supports check box content controls, so the form remains clickable and the table alignment stays unchanged.
