How to Create a Custom Table Hierarchy in WPS Writer
Question details
The user needs a more flexible way to build a hierarchy or organizational diagram than SmartArt provides, using a regular table layout in WPS Writer.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a custom organizational diagram in a word-processing document when built-in SmartArt hierarchy layouts cannot produce the desired shape arrangement.
- Observed behavior
- SmartArt hierarchy and architecture layouts do not provide the required custom arrangement of shapes.
Sketch the desired hierarchy on paper and count the widest row of boxes so you can insert the right number of table columns. Open your WPS Writer document and have the target page ready.
Build a custom hierarchy using a table grid in WPS Writer
Use this method when SmartArt hierarchy layouts are too rigid and you need full control over cell placement, merging, and colors.
A regular table works as an invisible grid: each cell becomes a box, merged cells create wider or taller levels, and table shading supplies the background colors.
In WPS Writer, place the cursor where the hierarchy should appear, click the Insert tab, select Table, and drag to create enough columns for the widest level and enough rows for all positions.
Select the cells that should form one box, go to the Table Tools tab, and click Merge Cells. Repeat until the grid matches your custom layout.
Select the table or the affected columns, then on the Table Tools Layout tab choose Distribute Columns to make the widths consistent.
Select each merged area, use Table Tools > Shading to apply a fill color, then type the name or role into the cell.
Add shapes and graphics outside the table for connectors and extra labels
Use this after building the table when you need arrows, side labels, or overflow boxes that are easier to draw freely.
Create a Custom Table Hierarchy in WPS Writer
Use a flexible table grid in WPS Writer to arrange, merge, and shade cells into a custom hierarchy or organizational chart without being limited by SmartArt layouts.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your existing document or create a new blank document.
- 2. Insert a table as the diagram grid: Click the Insert tab, choose Table, and add enough rows and columns for the widest part of your hierarchy.
- 3. Merge cells into custom boxes: Select cells that form each box, go to the Table Tools tab, and click Merge Cells to shape the hierarchy levels.
- 4. Apply shading and labels: Use the Table Tools shading options to color each box, then type the name, role, or team inside the cell.
- 5. Adjust column widths and borders: Select the table, use Distribute Columns for even spacing, and set table borders to white or none if you want a cleaner diagram look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an org chart in WPS Writer without SmartArt?
Yes. Insert a table, merge cells to form the custom boxes, and apply shading to create a flexible hierarchy diagram.
How do I merge cells in a WPS Writer table?
Select the cells you want to combine, then go to the Table Tools tab and click Merge Cells. The merged area becomes one box in your hierarchy.
How can I make all columns the same width?
Select the table or the columns you want to adjust, open Table Tools > Layout, and click Distribute Columns.
Will this table hierarchy open correctly in Microsoft Word?
Yes. WPS Writer saves the document as .docx, so the table, merged cells, and shading remain visible in Microsoft Word.
Can I add arrows or extra labels outside the table?
Yes. Use Insert > Shapes to add arrows, lines, or boxes, and place them around the table with text wrapping.
