A cross-reference allows document authors to link to important sections or objects, like a table, image, or chart, from another location in the document. In Microsoft Word, a cross-reference also allows a reader to jump to a specific section or object in the document by clicking the cross-reference.

Select from the links below and follow the instructions to add or remove a cross-reference in your Word document.

Add a cross-reference

  • Click a location in the document where you want to add or create a cross-reference.

  • Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon.

  • In the Links section, click the Cross-reference option.

  • Add a cross-reference.

  • Remove a cross-reference.

A cross-reference can only be created for something that already exists in the document.

  • In the cross-reference window, select a Reference type (A) in the drop-down menu. The reference type is the section (heading) or object you are linking to in the document.

  • After selecting a Reference type, select what you are linking to in the For which [type] box (B), where [type] is the selected reference type.

  • Select an Insert reference to (C) option in the drop-down menu, depending on what text you want to set for the cross-reference link.

  • Click the Insert button to add the cross-reference to the document, then click Close to close the Cross-reference window.

Remove a cross-reference

  • Locate the cross-reference you want to remove in the document.
  • Select the cross-reference text.

Make sure the Insert as hyperlink checkbox is checked. If not checked, the cross-reference is text only when added and cannot be clicked to jump to the referenced heading or object.

  • Press Delete to remove the cross-reference.
  • How to add or update a table of contents in Microsoft Word.
  • How to add, remove, and access a bookmark in Microsoft Word.
  • How to add, modify, or delete a table in Microsoft Word.
  • How to create a chart or graph in Microsoft Word.
  • How to add or remove a header or footer in Word.
  • See our cross-reference page for related links and information.
  • Microsoft Word help and support.