Guide to Using the Trace Precedents Feature in WPS Sheets for Mac

Feature Summary

Trace Precedents uses arrows to indicate which cells are referenced in the current cell's formula, helping users quickly trace data sources.

Feature Description

Operation Steps

Trace Precedents

Feature Entry

"Formulas" tab → "Trace Precedents" button

1. Select a cell that contains a formula
2. Click the Trace Precedents button in the Formulas tab
3. Arrows are automatically generated to indicate reference relationships:

• Blue solid arrow: Indicates a reference source within the current sheet
• Black dashed arrow: Indicates a cross-sheet reference; click the dashed arrow to jump to the location

4.Click multiple times to display multiple levels of reference relationships

Remove Trace Arrows

Feature Entry

"Formulas" tab → Drop-down arrow next to the "Remove Arrows" button

1. Click the Remove Arrows drop-down button in the Formulas tab
2. Select Remove Precedent Arrows to remove precedent tracing
3. Select Remove Dependent Arrows to remove dependent tracing
4. Select Remove Arrows to clear all tracing marks at once

FAQ

Q1: Why is the Trace Precedents button grayed out and unavailable?

• Solution: This feature is only effective for cells containing formulas. Please select a cell with a formula first before proceeding.

Notes

• Trace arrows are only a visual aid and will not modify cell content
• When referencing across worksheets, the target worksheet indicated by the dashed arrow must exist and not be hidden