How to Paste Linked Excel Data into WPS Writer Without Cell Fill Colors
Question details
The user needs to paste Excel cells into a WPS Writer document with a live data link but without copying the Excel cell fill colors.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer with WPS Spreadsheets / Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is preparing a document and wants linked Excel data to match Writer's formatting instead of carrying over cell shading.
- Observed behavior
- A normal linked paste keeps the source Excel cell fill colors, making the table look inconsistent with the document.
Open the source Excel workbook and the target WPS Writer document, and save the source workbook before pasting so the link target is stable. Then use the lower part of the Paste button instead of Ctrl+V to access the correct link formatting option.
Paste linked Excel data with Link and Merge Formatting
Use this method when you need the Excel values to update in the Writer document but want Writer's formatting instead of the original cell fill.
A regular Paste Link often brings the source spreadsheet's cell shading into the document. The Link and Merge Formatting option keeps the live link while matching the destination text style, so you don't have to manually remove Excel fill colors afterward.
Open the source workbook in WPS Spreadsheets or Microsoft Excel, select the cells you want to use, and press Ctrl+C or click Home > Copy.
Click in the WPS Writer document where you want the data to appear, then click the lower half of the Paste button on the Home tab to expand the paste choices.
Select Link and Merge Formatting from the paste options. The pasted content remains linked to the Excel source but adopts the current WPS Writer formatting instead of the Excel cell fill colors.
Paste linked Excel tables cleanly with WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer's Link and Merge Formatting option to paste live Excel data without importing source cell fill colors, so tables match your document automatically.
- 1. Open both files: Open the Excel source workbook and the WPS Writer destination document.
- 2. Copy the cells: Select the Excel range and press Ctrl+C or click Home > Copy.
- 3. Expand Paste options: In WPS Writer, click the lower part of the Home tab Paste button.
- 4. Select Link and Merge Formatting: Choose Link and Merge Formatting so the data remains linked without source cell fill colors.
- 5. Save the document: Save the Writer file to keep the link settings for future updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Link and Merge Formatting keep the Excel data linked?
Yes. It keeps the link to the source Excel cells, so values can update in WPS Writer while the document formatting is applied instead of the original cell fill.
Why does pasted Excel data still show cell fill colors?
A standard Paste Link or Keep Source Formatting paste carries over Excel shading. Use the lower part of the Paste button in WPS Writer and choose Link and Merge Formatting to avoid it.
Can I do this between Microsoft Excel and WPS Writer?
Yes. Copy the cells in Microsoft Excel, switch to WPS Writer, click the lower half of the Paste button, and select Link and Merge Formatting.
What should I do if Link and Merge Formatting is not visible?
Click the lower half of the Paste button on the Home tab instead of pressing Ctrl+V. If the option still does not appear, use Paste Special and choose a link format that uses destination styles.
Will the linked data update automatically when the Excel file changes?
The link is preserved, but update behavior can depend on the document link settings. In WPS Writer, check the link or field options and refresh the link when the source workbook changes.
