33 min read

Cross-References

Reference headings, figures, tables, equations, and pages automatically.

Why not type see Figure 3

If James adds a diagram before Figure 3, every see Figure 3 in prose becomes wrong. Cross-references are fields that update when figures, headings, or tables move. Insert \to Cross-reference links to Headings, Figures, Tables, Equations, or Numbered items . Choose Reference type, pick the item, insert as Reference text or Page number .

Update after edits

Press Ctrl+A, then F9, or right-click the reference \to Update Field . Cross-references break if you delete the target caption — Word shows Error! Reference source not found until you fix the caption.

Hands-on steps

Goal

$Cross-reference the open-day schedule table.$

$James Okonkwo adds this to NorthgateHandbook.docx as part of one polished student handbook, policy pack, and open-day collateral before families arrive.$

Caption the table

Where

Right-click table

Do this

Right-click the schedule table \to Insert Caption . Label Table . Caption Open day schedule .

You should see

$Table 1 appears above/below table.$

Before you continue

Before you go on

Before you click Next, confirm on your computer: 1 You completed every hands-on step above — not just read them. 2 NorthgateHandbook.docx is saved (Ctrl+S / Cmd+S). 3 You can explain why this skill matters for open day at Northgate Academy — not just where the button lives. Dr. Helen Marsh spot-checks this chapter before Saturday 14 March 2026 .

Practice

Cross-references are better than typing see Figure 3 because they\dots

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