How to Import Non-Tabular HTML Web Data into WPS Spreadsheets
Question details
The user needs to import website content that is not presented as an HTML table into WPS Spreadsheets for further work.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A webpage contains the needed data as an HTML list, document structure, or script-rendered content rather than a standard HTML table.
- Observed behavior
- Standard web import detects only HTML tables and does not automatically expose non-tabular elements.
Check whether the page content appears in the page source or only after JavaScript runs. If it is loaded dynamically, plan to use the site's API, a CSV/Excel export, or another file-based import.
Import non-tabular HTML with the WPS Spreadsheets From Web import
Use this when the page content is present in the HTML source and you need to choose a list or document structure that automatic table detection misses.
WPS Spreadsheets can read data from a live URL. Automatic detection may only show HTML tables, but you can inspect the available elements and choose the relevant list or container when the import dialog exposes it.
In WPS Spreadsheets, click the Data tab and choose Import Data > From Web.
Type or paste the full URL of the page containing the non-tabular HTML content, then confirm to load the page.
In the import selector, expand the page's available elements and choose the HTML list, document, or container that holds the data instead of relying on the default table selection.
Click Load or OK to place the data into the worksheet, then clean the column placement with Text to Columns or formatting as needed.
Save or export the page content as a CSV, Excel, or HTML file and import it
Use this when live web import cannot parse the structure or when the data is rendered dynamically.
Use the website API, downloadable file, or a custom script
Use this for JavaScript-heavy pages or when the site provides structured JSON, XML, or CSV data.
Import Non-Tabular HTML Web Data with WPS Spreadsheets
Use WPS Spreadsheets' built-in From Web import to choose an HTML list or document structure, clean it with data tools, and prepare the worksheet for analysis without requiring a separate Microsoft Office Power Query setup.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official WPS website, install it, and open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 2. Start the From Web import: In WPS Spreadsheets, click the Data tab, then choose Import Data > From Web.
- 3. Select and load the HTML element: Enter the target URL, choose the HTML list or document element that contains the data, and load it into the worksheet.
- 4. Clean up the worksheet: Use Text to Columns, Remove Duplicates, or Find and Replace to convert non-tabular content into clean columns and rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WPS Spreadsheets not detect non-tabular HTML content automatically?
Built-in web import usually looks for HTML table elements. Lists, divs, containers, or script-rendered content are not auto-detected, so you need to select the relevant element manually or use a saved file, API, or CSV export.
Can WPS Spreadsheets import JavaScript-rendered web data?
Built-in web import generally reads the initial HTML and does not see content rendered later by JavaScript. For dynamic data, use the site's API, a downloadable CSV/Excel/JSON file, or a custom script.
How do I open a saved HTML file in WPS Spreadsheets?
Click File > Open, choose the saved .html or .htm file, and then use cleaning tools such as Text to Columns, Remove Duplicates, and Find and Replace to organize the imported content.
What should I do if the website does not allow automated data collection?
Check the site's terms of use and prefer official API or export features. Automated collection may be restricted, so only use methods that comply with the website's rules.
Does WPS Spreadsheets have the same Power Query editor as Excel?
WPS Spreadsheets provides built-in import tools under Data > Import Data, such as From Web and From Text/CSV, but it does not include the full Excel Power Query editor. Use these import tools and cleaning features for compatible workflows.
