WPS file format
| Extension | .wps |
| Category | documents |
| Programs | Microsoft Word NeoOffice OxygenOffice Works Converter |
| Main program | Microsoft Works Word Processor |
| Description | .wps (Microsoft Works Word Processor) The .wps file format is used by Microsoft Works Word Processor, which was a part of Microsoft's discontinued Works suite. WPS files are similar to Microsoft Word documents but have fewer features and were used in a more basic word processing program. Due to the limited adoption of Microsoft Works and the dominance of Microsoft Word in the word processing space, WPS files are less common and may require specific software or converters to open in more modern word processing programs. |
| Technical details | The .wps file format, part of the now-discontinued Microsoft Works, was mainly used for word processing. As "Works Word Processor" files, .wps offered basic formatting akin to early Microsoft Word but lacked advanced features. Initially exclusive to Microsoft Works, post-discontinuation, some Microsoft Word versions can open .wps files with limited formatting. With Microsoft Works' decline, .wps files often require conversion to formats like .doc or .docx for better accessibility. Different versions of Microsoft Works had varying .wps formats, impacting compatibility. Less popular than formats like .doc, the .wps format supported basic graphics and tables, had smaller file sizes, and is now a legacy format needing specific conversion tools. The discontinuation of Microsoft Works has reduced .wps usage, shifting focus to more standard document formats. Understanding .wps is mainly relevant for accessing or converting older documents. |
| MIME type | application/vnd.ms-works application/kswps |