How to Stop Excel Converting Text Such as 7 AM into a Time in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to prevent spreadsheet applications from automatically converting entries like 7 AM into time values so the original text is preserved.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user is entering text values such as 7 AM into a worksheet and wants them to remain text instead of becoming time values.
- Observed behavior
- The spreadsheet converts 7 AM to 7:00:00 automatically, changing the text entry into a time value.
Make sure you know whether only a single cell or an entire range must remain text. If 7 AM has already been converted to 7:00:00, clear or undo that entry before applying the Text format.
Use an Apostrophe Before the Value
Best for a quick one-off entry when you need only a few cells to remain text.
Click the cell where you want to enter 7 AM.
Enter '7 AM and press Enter. The apostrophe does not appear in the cell, but the value is stored as text.
Format Cells as Text Before Typing
Use this method when entering multiple values or a whole range that must remain text.
Keep Text Entries Like 7 AM from Converting in WPS Office Spreadsheets
Use WPS Office Spreadsheets to set cells as Text or enter a leading apostrophe so values such as 7 AM remain exactly as typed instead of becoming time values.
- 1. Launch WPS Office Spreadsheets: Open WPS Office and create or open the workbook where 7 AM should remain text.
- 2. Select your cell or range: Click the first cell or drag to select the range that will contain the text values.
- 3. Open Number Format: Go to the Home tab and open the Number Format drop-down list.
- 4. Set the format to Text: Choose Text from the list so WPS Office Spreadsheets does not interpret 7 AM as a time value.
- 5. Type your value: Enter 7 AM and confirm that it appears exactly as typed instead of 7:00:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel or WPS Office convert 7 AM into 7:00:00?
Spreadsheet apps recognize 7 AM as a time value because of the AM or PM marker. They automatically apply a time number format and change the entry to 7:00:00.
Does the leading apostrophe appear when I print the worksheet?
No. The apostrophe is only visible in the formula bar while editing. It is not shown in the cell or printed output.
Can I apply Text format after data has already been converted to time values?
Formatting after conversion does not restore the original text. Clear or undo the converted entry, format the cell as Text, and then retype 7 AM.
Will formatting cells as Text affect formulas or calculations?
Yes. Values stored as text may not be included in normal arithmetic calculations. Use Text format only for cells that must keep the literal entry.
Does this method work when opening Microsoft Excel files in WPS Office?
Yes. WPS Office Spreadsheets supports the same apostrophe and Text number format methods and works with Excel workbook formats.
