| Developer(s) | Kingsoft |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1988; 33 years ago |
| Stable release | WPS Office for Windows (v.11.2.0.9232) / March 19, 2020; 11 months ago |
| Written in | CodeGear Delphi, C/C++ |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, Linux[1] |
| Available in | Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese |
| Type | Office suite |
| License | Proprietary
|
| Website | wps.com |
『WPS Office』 『WPS Office』has the smallest size and is a FREE all-in-one office suite. One of our favorite free office suites, Kingsoft Office, is now WPS Office 2014, with an all-new look and new tools. It's still widely compatible with other office suites, tools, and document.
WPS Office (an acronym for Writer, Presentation and Spreadsheets,[2] previously known as Kingsoft Office) is an office suite for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux,[1]iOS[3] and Android,[4] developed by Zhuhai-based Chinese software developer Kingsoft. WPS Office is made up of three primary components: WPS Writer, WPS Presentation, and WPS Spreadsheet.[5]
The personal basic version is free to use. A fully featured professional-grade version is also available for a subscription fee. WPS Office 2016 was released in 2016.[6] As of 2019, the Linux version is developed and supported by a volunteer community rather than Kingsoft itself.[7]
By 2019, WPS Office reached a number of more than 310 milion monthly active users.[8]
The product has had a long history of development in China under the name 'WPS' and 'WPS Office'. For a time, Kingsoft branded the suite as 'KSOffice' in an attempt to gain an international market foothold, but later returned to 'WPS Office'. Since WPS Office 2005 the user interface is similar to that of Microsoft Office products, and supports Microsoft document formats besides native Kingsoft formats.
History[edit]
Origins[edit]
WPS Office was initially known as Super-WPS文字处理系统 (Super-WPS Word Processing System, then known simply as WPS) in 1988 as a word processor that ran on DOS systems and sold by then-Hong KongKingsun COMPUTER CO. LTD. It was the first Chinese-language word processor designed and developed for the mainland Chinese market[citation needed]. WPS was used from the late 1980s.
Early history[edit]
Faced with competition from Microsoft Office, Kingsoft chief software architect Pak Kwan Kau (求伯君) diverted 4 million Renminbi from his personal account to assist in the development of WPS 97 for Microsoft Windows. In 1997, WPS 97 was released. The next version, WPS 2000, was released two years later. Both products were developed for a 16-bit Windows platform, with the capability of running on 32-bit Windows platforms.
In May 2001, Kingsoft launched a full office suite under the name WPS Office 2001, which contained a word processor together with spreadsheet and presentation applications. With WPS Office 2001, Kingsoft entered the office productivity market in the People's Republic of China.
In 2002, WPS Office 2002 was released, adding an email client to the office suite. WPS Office 2002 aimed to maintain interface compatibility with established office products.
In 2003, WPS Office 2003 was released. The Chinese government made Kingsoft office software the standard for various divisions of the government.
The 2004 incarnation of the office suite, dubbed WPS Office Storm, was released in late 2004. It claimed to offer total backward compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats. Unlike previous versions, WPS Storm was based on OpenOffice.org and was the first WPS Office suite to support operating systems other than Microsoft Windows. Kingsoft collaborated with Intel and IBM to integrate its text-to-text and text-to-speech technology into WPS Office Storm.
In late 2005, WPS Office 2005 was released with a revamped interface and a smaller file size. Besides the Professional edition, a free Simplified Chinese edition was offered for students and home users. A Wine-hosted edition was provided for Linux users of WPS Office Storm.
In 2007, Kingsoft Office 2007 was released. This was the first version that tried to enter international markets, with support for the English and Japanese languages. The native Chinese-language version continued under the name WPS Office.
In 2009, Kingsoft Office 2009 was released. It had increased compatibility with Microsoft Office including support for the newer 2007-version file formats.
In 2010, Kingsoft Office 2010 was released.
Wps Office Free Review
In 2011, Kingsoft Office was granted funding from the Chinese government[9] and received further orders from central ministries in China.[10]
Kingsoft Office Suite Free 2012 was released in 2011. Kingsoft Office Professional 2012 and Kingsoft Office Standard 2012 were released for sale in February 2012,[11] in addition to Kingsoft Office for Android.[12] The initial release for Android included standard word processor functions such as creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
On 28 March 2012 Kingsoft announced that WPS for Linux was under development. It is the third WPS Linux product, following WPS Storm and WPS 2005. It was developed from scratch, based on the Qt framework, as compatible as possible with its Windows counterpart.
The free and paid versions of Kingsoft Office 2013 were released on 4 June 2013. They consist of three programs: Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation, which are similar to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.[13] WPS Office for Linux Alpha 18 Patch 1 was released on 11 June 2015.[1]
2014-present[edit]
On June 6, 2014, all Kingsoft Office products were renamed WPS Office.[14]
On December 16, 2014, WPS Office 2014 for Windows, build 9.1.0.4932, was released as a subscription model for a monthly charge of US$3 for some features. The free version provided basic features and supported Microsoft Office .doc, .xls, and .ppt file formats. Premium paid versions provided full compatibility for Microsoft Office files. Officially only the paid 2014 version supported saving files in .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats, but, actually, the free version also supported these formats (as had the 2013 free version).[15]
On June 21, 2016, WPS Office 2016 for Windows became generally available as Freemium software, with no subscription needed for basic features.[16]
On 28 May 2017 Kingsoft tweeted that the Linux version was at a halt,[17] but denied this a few days later, removed the tweet, and issued a further alpha version. Kingsoft also tweeted making reference to making WPS Office for Linux open-source towards the end of 2017 to allow the Linux community to step in and continue maintaining it, but later deleted this tweet too.[18]
WPS Office 2019 was released on May 6, 2019. It introduced new integration and personalized features as well as full support for the PDF format.
Editions[edit]
WPS Office has versions for multiple operating systems. It has editions for:
- A screenshot of WPS Office for Mac.Windows
- macOS
- Linux (Fedora, CentOS, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, Mint, Knoppix) — Originally supports both 32- and 64-bit systems, however support for 32-bit systems stopped as of July 2019.[19]
- Android
- iOS
In addition to the above, WPS Office also has a web version.
Versions and subscription model[edit]
In 2011, Kingsoft Office was granted funding from the Chinese government[9] and received further orders from central ministries in China.[10]
Kingsoft Office Suite Free 2012 was released in 2011. Kingsoft Office Professional 2012 and Kingsoft Office Standard 2012 were released for sale in February 2012,[11] in addition to Kingsoft Office for Android.[12] The initial release for Android included standard word processor functions such as creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
On 28 March 2012 Kingsoft announced that WPS for Linux was under development. It is the third WPS Linux product, following WPS Storm and WPS 2005. It was developed from scratch, based on the Qt framework, as compatible as possible with its Windows counterpart.
The free and paid versions of Kingsoft Office 2013 were released on 4 June 2013. They consist of three programs: Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation, which are similar to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.[13] WPS Office for Linux Alpha 18 Patch 1 was released on 11 June 2015.[1]
2014-present[edit]
On June 6, 2014, all Kingsoft Office products were renamed WPS Office.[14]
On December 16, 2014, WPS Office 2014 for Windows, build 9.1.0.4932, was released as a subscription model for a monthly charge of US$3 for some features. The free version provided basic features and supported Microsoft Office .doc, .xls, and .ppt file formats. Premium paid versions provided full compatibility for Microsoft Office files. Officially only the paid 2014 version supported saving files in .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats, but, actually, the free version also supported these formats (as had the 2013 free version).[15]
On June 21, 2016, WPS Office 2016 for Windows became generally available as Freemium software, with no subscription needed for basic features.[16]
On 28 May 2017 Kingsoft tweeted that the Linux version was at a halt,[17] but denied this a few days later, removed the tweet, and issued a further alpha version. Kingsoft also tweeted making reference to making WPS Office for Linux open-source towards the end of 2017 to allow the Linux community to step in and continue maintaining it, but later deleted this tweet too.[18]
WPS Office 2019 was released on May 6, 2019. It introduced new integration and personalized features as well as full support for the PDF format.
Editions[edit]
WPS Office has versions for multiple operating systems. It has editions for:
- A screenshot of WPS Office for Mac.Windows
- macOS
- Linux (Fedora, CentOS, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, Mint, Knoppix) — Originally supports both 32- and 64-bit systems, however support for 32-bit systems stopped as of July 2019.[19]
- Android
- iOS
In addition to the above, WPS Office also has a web version.
Versions and subscription model[edit]
WPS Office 2016 is available in Free, Premium, and Professional versions, along with versions for Android and iOS. The free version provides basic features and supports Microsoft Office file formats. Some features, such as printing and mail-merge, can be temporarily accessed only after viewing an advertisement, which WPS Office refers to as sponsored access.[20]
The subscription-based, paid version, called WPS Office 2016 Premium, is available for US$9.99 per 3 months, and makes all features available without viewing advertisements.[21]
A lifetime license for WPS Office 2016 Professional can be purchased for $79.99.[21]
| Product Name | Price | Version |
|---|---|---|
| WPS Office Free | Free | - |
| WPS Premium | US$29.99/Year | 10.2.0.7478 |
| WPS Home & Student | US$44.99/Year | - |
| WPS Office License | US$44.99/Year | - |
File format[edit]
According to an April 2017 review of WPS Office 2016 Free v10.2.0.5871 for Windows, the program opens and saves all Microsoft Office document formats (doc, docx, xls, xlsx, etc.), HTML, RTF, XML, and PDF.[22]
- Text document formats: wps, wpt, doc, dot, docx, dotx, docm, dotm
- XML document formats: xml, htm, html, mht, mhtm, mhtml
- Spreadsheet document formats: et, ett, xls, xlsx, xlt, xltx, csv, xlsm, xltm, xlsb, ets
- Slideshow document formats: ppt, pot, pps, dps, dpt, pptx, potx, ppsx, pptm, potm, ppsm, dpss
See also[edit]
Notes and references[edit]
- ^ abcCurrently in Alpha state. See 'WPS for Linux A15 is Released'. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^'What is WPS Office and. wps File Format - Kingsoft Office'. Ksosoft.com. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
- ^'Kingsoft Office for iOS to hit iPhones and iPads'. Kingsoftstor.com. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
- ^'Download Kingsoft free office app for Android'. Kingsoftstore.com. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
- ^'WPS Office Home Page'. wps.com.
- ^'WPS Office Officially Releases WPS 2016 for Windows'. wps.com.
- ^'WPS Office for Linux Update Available to Download - OMG! Ubuntu!'. OMG! Ubuntu!. 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190910005579/en/Kingsoft-Office-Launches-WPS-Office-2020-UK
- ^'WPS Office Software: free office software, professional office software'. wps.com. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
- ^'Kingsoft WPS Office Receives Further Orders from Central Ministries'. Free Online Library. Kingsoft Office Software Corporation Limited. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
- ^https://archive.is/20130128080506/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/kingsoft-corporation-released-three-editions-of-kingsoft-office-2012-2012-02-27
- ^'Kingsoft Office + PDF - FREE!'. Google Play. Kingsoft Office Software Corporation Limited. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
- ^'Kingsoft Office 2013 has been released'. Kingsoft Office. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
- ^'Kingsoft Office Change Name to WPS Office'. Kingsoft Office. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^'WPS Office for Windows'. WPS Office. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
- ^'WPS Office Implements Freemium Version of Software'. wps.com. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- ^Joey Sneddon (28 May 2017). 'Linux Users Shouldn't Expect Further Updates to WPS Office…'. OMG! Ubuntu!. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^Joey Sneddon (31 May 2017). 'Kingsoft Say WPS Office for Linux Will Continue To Be Updated After all'. OMG! Ubuntu!. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^'Downloads - WPS Office Community'. wps-community.org. Retrieved 2019-07-08.
- ^'Why you should take another look at WPS Office Free'. CNet. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
- ^ ab'Compare WPS Office'. WPS Office. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
- ^Mike Williams (15 June 2017). 'WPS Office 2016 Free v10.2.0.5871'. Techworld.com. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to WPS Office. |
1,133 total views, 1 views today
I needed a free Microsoft Word alternative a while ago, so I went on to try out the WPS Office. I have had a good experience with Microsoft Word in the past but I like to try out new stuff.
So I did a little bit of digging and found out about two Microsoft Office alternative tools that a lot of people were talking about. Then, I decided to go ahead with the WPS Office.
Not only was it an alternative to MS Word, but it was also available for free.
I instantaneously downloaded and installed it.
When I started using, I realized, it's just like MS Word.
I started writing my articles from day one.
The software was easy-to-use and buttery-smooth. The interface was just like Microsoft Office so I had no problem switching to WPS Office.
A few days went by, something happened, and I decided to switch to its paid plan. It wasn't expensive at all, so I had no problem with spending a few bucks on great software. I'll share the reason why I bought the paid subscription of WPS Office in the features section.
Let me shed some light on why this software is worth buying.
Features of WPS Office
Here are some features of WPS Office that made me like and switch to the paid version:
Similar Interface to Microsoft Office
It might come as surprise, but it's true: WPS Office does seem like Microsoft Office. The options, tools, and interface look the same, which is why the transition was so easy for me. If you try out the free version, you'd notice that it's the same thing.
I'm the kind of person who doesn't like change when it comes to apps and software. I postpone and procrastinate as long as I could to avoid the change. But I didn't face a single issue in switching from MS Office to WPS Office.
WPS Cloud Storage
The paid version of WPS Office has a cloud feature, which automatically backs up the content as you Save it while writing. The benefit is that it remains saves on the cloud. Moreover, you can also store the same file on your computer using the Save As feature.
One of the reasons I switched to the paid version of WPS Office is cloud storage. A few months ago, I was writing a long article, and while trying to save the file using the Ctrl + S buttons, but I pressed Ctrl + N, which popped open a new blank file. I thought I lost the whole write-up. That day, I decided to buy the buy version of this software to keep the backup of every piece of content I write.
Now everything I write keeps on saving on the cloud storage.
All-in-one Software
Sqlpro studio 1 0 416 cm. One of the things I liked about WPS Office is that it does have multiple tools such as spreadsheets, presentations, and documents.
It simply replaces the separate softwares like Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. Once you proceed to create a new file, you have the option to choose the type of file you want to create.
New Tools
The paid subscription of WPS Office comes with more tools. There are tools to create PDF files, convert PDF into a text file, file repairing, templates, and more.
Wps Office Free Writer
Affiliate Program
One of the reasons I chose this tool over a few similar softwares was the affiliate program. They do have an affiliate program so that you can promote this software and make money off your blog. They use Avangate network for running their affiliate program.
5 Reasons to Try Out WPS Office
1. Easy to Use
As I've mentioned before, it's an alternative to MS Word so if you have used Microsoft Office, you won't feel much difference. It's easy to use and anybody can start using it right away.
2. Available for Free
You might not want to spend a few dollars on software yet or you may not have a bank card to purchase things online. Don't worry about those things because you don't need to purchase this software to get started with it. Use the free version as long as you want.
3. 3-in-1 Suite
One of the perks of WPS Office is that all three major office tools such as Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations are available in the single interface of WPS Office.
4. Backups
Backup is the feature that pushed me to buy the paid version of this software. I didn't want to lose my work just because I pressed a wrong combination of buttons on the keyboard. The paid version has a backup feature, which keeps your content save on the cloud storage.
5. Spell Check and Words Count
It might not be a big deal for us, but some bloggers and writers like both these tools. So WPS Office does have these two features that can help you track the number of words as well as highlight the spelling mistakes.
Final Words
If you're looking to get a free Microsoft Word alternative for your home PC or laptop, feel free to try this software out because it's great.
If you're a blogger or a content writer, you might want to upgrade to the paid version because you got to use the tool at its full potential.
If you care about your work, you got to protect it, meaning, you shouldn't worry about $30 or so.
I can tell you that now I write content stress-free because I know that when I press Ctrl + S, it'd save my file onto the cloud storage of my account.
Just for the record, I also save my files onto my computer.
Check out this software and let me know what you think about this.
Wps Office Freeware
Leave a comment on this blog post once you try it out; it'd take 5 minutes to download and install the WPS Office.
Free Wps Office 2020 Reviews
Go ahead!
