WPS Spreadsheets: Convert Linked Excel Results to Fixed Values
Question details
The user needs to save the current results from linked Excel cells as fixed values without retaining formulas that update from another workbook.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A pricing template is linked to another workbook, and the user wants to retrieve the current prices, convert the linked cells to values, and keep the original linked template available.
- Observed behavior
- The linked cells contain formulas that reference an external workbook; the desired result is a new workbook containing the current prices as ordinary, non-updating values.
Open the linked pricing template while the source workbook is available, and allow the external links to update so the cells show the latest prices. Identify the linked range and prepare a new filename for the converted copy.
Paste updated external-link results as fixed values
Use this method when you need a one-time copy of the current linked prices without formulas or future external updates.
Pasting values replaces the external-link formulas with the results currently displayed in the selected cells. Save the converted workbook under a different name to preserve the original linked template.
Open the pricing template in WPS Spreadsheets and choose the option to update or allow external links when prompted. Confirm that the linked cells display the current prices.
Drag across the linked pricing cells, or select the entire linked range that should become fixed values.
Press Ctrl+C, or use Home > Copy, while the linked range is selected.
Open Home > Paste > Paste Special, select Values, and click OK. The formulas are replaced with their current displayed results.
Choose File > Save As, enter a new filename, and save the workbook so the original externally linked template remains unchanged.
Automate repeated conversions with a VBA macro
Use this option when the same linked range must be converted to values regularly and your WPS Office installation supports VBA macros.
Convert External Excel Links to Fixed Values in WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets lets you update linked workbook results, use Paste Special to retain values only, and save a clean copy without changing the original pricing template. Its familiar spreadsheet interface supports a smooth workflow for Excel files.
- 1. Open the linked workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, select File > Open, and open the pricing template.
- 2. Refresh external data: Allow the external links to update when prompted so the cells contain the latest results.
- 3. Copy the linked range: Select the linked cells and choose Home > Copy.
- 4. Paste values only: Choose Home > Paste > Paste Special, select Values, and click OK.
- 5. Save a new workbook: Select File > Save As and save the fixed-value version under a different filename.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop Excel links from updating in WPS Spreadsheets?
First allow the links to update so the cells contain current results. Then select the linked cells and use Home > Paste > Paste Special > Values to remove the external-link formulas.
Will Paste Special Values keep the latest prices?
Yes. Paste Special > Values keeps the results currently displayed in the selected cells, but it removes the formulas and prevents future updates from the source workbook.
Can I preserve the original linked pricing template?
Yes. After converting the cells, use File > Save As and give the fixed-value workbook a new name. The original file will continue to contain its external links.
How can I check whether the external links were removed?
Click a converted cell and inspect the formula bar. A fixed cell should display a value rather than a formula containing another workbook name or an external reference.
Can this conversion be automated in WPS Spreadsheets?
If your WPS Office installation supports VBA, you can run a macro such as Selection.Value = Selection.Value on the selected range. Test it on a copy before converting production data.
