Document Editing Problems

How to Cross-Reference Only the Figure Label and Number in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to insert a cross-reference that includes only the figure label and number (e.g., 'Figure 1'), excluding any additional preceding words that are part of the original caption.

Product: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting a specific cross-reference in a document where the figure captions contain extra custom text before the standard figure label.
Observed behavior: Default cross-references pull in unwanted preceding words from the caption instead of just the label and number.

Before you start

Before modifying your document's cross-references, ensure your figure numbering format is finalized and consider testing these steps on a copy of your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Manual Bookmark for the Figure Label and Number

Manually select and bookmark just the specific portion of the caption you want to reference, then point your cross-reference to that bookmark.

Word relies on hidden bookmarks for its default cross-references. When you create a standard cross-reference to a figure, Word often captures the entire caption paragraph. By creating a manual bookmark, you can precisely control what text appears in your reference.

Select the target text

Navigate to your figure caption and carefully highlight only the label and number (e.g., 'Figure 1'), making sure not to select the unwanted preceding words.

Insert a bookmark

Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click 'Bookmark' in the Links group. Type a unique name for the bookmark (without spaces) and click 'Add'.

Insert the cross-reference

Place your cursor where you want the reference to appear in your text. Go to the 'Insert' or 'References' tab, click 'Cross-reference', set the 'Reference type' to 'Bookmark', select your newly created bookmark from the list, and click 'Insert'.

Bookmark Vulnerability: Bookmarks can be accidentally broken or deleted if you heavily edit, delete, or move the bookmarked caption text. Always verify your references before finalizing the document.

Efficient Document Formatting

Easily Manage Cross-References with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Word. You can seamlessly manage captions, bookmarks, and precise cross-references using a familiar and intuitive interface.

1. Highlight the text in WPS Writer: Select just the figure label and number in your document caption.
2. Create the Bookmark: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Bookmark', assign a unique name, and click 'Add'.
3. Insert the Cross-reference: Position your cursor where needed, go to 'Insert' > 'Cross-reference', select 'Bookmark' as your reference type, choose your bookmark, and insert.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft 365.Familiar interface makes inserting bookmarks and cross-references easy.Built-in PDF editing and conversion tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cross-reference include the whole caption instead of just the figure number?

By default, Word creates a hidden bookmark that spans the entire caption paragraph when you insert a standard figure cross-reference. To restrict the text to just the label and number, you must manually create a bookmark over that specific selection.

Will my manual bookmark cross-reference update if the figure number changes?

Yes, if the figure number field itself updates automatically, the cross-reference to that bookmarked field will also update when you refresh the document (press F9). However, if you delete the bookmarked text entirely, the reference will break.

Can I hide the gray bookmark brackets showing in my document?

Yes. If you see brackets around your bookmarked text, you can turn them off by going to File > Options > Advanced, scrolling down to the 'Show document content' section, and unchecking the 'Show bookmarks' box.

Document & File Issues