Cross-References
Cross-references point readers to headings, figures, tables, equations or other document elements. Their wording and capitalization are style choices, while dynamic fields or links can help references remain accurate after editing.
Use a cross-reference when readers need to locate another identified part of the same document. Prefer stable labels or document fields over manually typed references when the format supports them.
Key details
Important caveats
Style Boundary
The exact wording, capitalization and punctuation of references are house-style decisions; follow the governing publication or organization style rather than treating one form as universal grammar.
Further guidance
Practical Application
Use a cross-reference when a reader must locate another identified section, figure, table, appendix, or other part of the same document. Prefer stable identifiers and automatic reference fields where the format supports them so numbering changes do not silently break the text.
Purpose
Use a cross-reference to direct readers to a specific item or section elsewhere in the same document when that connection helps navigation or interpretation.
Reader Check
If the referenced item moves or is renumbered, will the reference still point to the correct target, and is the wording specific enough for the reader to find it?
Stability
When the authoring tool supports cross-reference fields, links or caption identifiers, use those mechanisms instead of manually retyping numbers that can become stale after edits.
Worked Example
Write “See Figure 4” or “See Section 3.2” and generate that identifier from the document system when possible, instead of typing a number manually that may become stale after editing.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Create a cross-reference — Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Cross-references to headings, figures and other items; dynamic field/hyperlink behavior
- Citations, references and sources — ONS Service Manual (opens in a new tab)Office for National Statistics · House-style examples for in-document references to chapters, tables and figures