Formatting Issues

How to Remove Labels from Word Cross-Reference Fields

Muhammad Talha Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to remove unwanted text labels (such as "Figure") from cross-reference fields when displaying a range of references in Word.

How to Remove Labels from Word Cross-Reference Fields

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting multiple cross-references or a range (e.g., displaying "Figure 1-3" instead of "Figure 1-Figure 3") in a document.
Observed behavior: Cross-reference fields automatically include the label text by default, which can cause repetitive or awkward formatting when combining multiple references in a sentence.

Before you start

Before editing field codes, it is recommended to save your document. Ensure you know the exact name of the label you wish to remove from the cross-reference display.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify Field Codes with Numeric Format Switches

By toggling the field codes, you can append a specific switch that forces the cross-reference to display only the number, omitting the text label.

Microsoft Word handles cross-references using dynamic field codes. By default, referencing an item includes its label.

You can manually edit these field codes using a numeric format switch to hide the label text and retain only the numeric value.

Toggle Field Codes

Press Alt+F9 on your keyboard to reveal the underlying field codes in your document. Your cross-reference should change from normal text to a code block like { REF _Ref123456789 }.

Add Numeric Switch

Click inside the relevant REF field brackets and type the numeric format switch \# "#" at the end of the existing code.

Handle Spaces or Punctuation

If your reference contains spaces or specific punctuation, wrap the format switch using single quotation marks to ensure proper formatting.

Update Fields

Press Ctrl+A to select the entire document, then press F9 to update all fields and apply the changes. Press Alt+F9 again to hide the codes and view your formatted references.

Modify Field Codes with Numeric Format Switches

Formatting Ranges: Using this method allows you to format ranges seamlessly, displaying references like 'Figure 1-3' instead of the repetitive 'Figure 1-Figure 3'.

Advanced Formatting in WPS Writer

Seamlessly Manage Document Field Codes with WPS Writer

WPS Writer fully supports advanced document formatting, including cross-references and field codes. You can easily toggle and edit field formats using the exact same shortcuts and logic to perfect your document layouts.

1. Open Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing your cross-references.
2. Insert Cross-Reference: Navigate to the Reference tab and insert a cross-reference as you normally would.
3. Edit Field Codes: Press Alt+F9 to toggle field codes and add the \# "#" switch inside the brackets.
4. Refresh Document Fields: Select all text with Ctrl+A and press F9 to update the cross-reference display, then press Alt+F9 to hide the codes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Supports advanced field code editing and numeric switches.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily document tasks.Features a familiar user interface for seamless migration from other Office suites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cross-reference show the label even after I selected 'Only label and number'?

The 'Only label and number' option inherently includes the label (e.g., 'Figure'). To show strictly the number, you must manually edit the field code and add the numeric format switch \# "#".

How do I revert the field codes back to normal text?

Press Alt+F9 again. This keyboard shortcut acts as a toggle between displaying the raw field codes (like { REF }) and the actual formatted result in your document.

Does updating fields with F9 affect my table of contents?

Yes, pressing Ctrl+A and F9 updates all fields in the document, which includes cross-references, page numbers, and the Table of Contents. You may be prompted to choose whether to update the entire table or just the page numbers.

Document & File Issues