Document Editing Problems

How to Repeat a Word Figure Number with a Continued Caption

Ayan Masood Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to repeat a figure number across multiple captions (e.g., "Figure 1" and "Figure 1 continued") and link the continued captions back to the original figure.

How to Repeat a Figure Number with a Continued Caption in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting a large figure that spans multiple pages or sections, requiring the same figure number to be repeated in subsequent captions with a "continued" label.
Observed behavior: Word automatically increments caption numbers (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2) and lacks a straightforward built-in tool to repeat a previous caption number with a continued label.

Before you start

Ensure that your document already has the initial figure inserted with a standard caption (e.g., "Figure 1") using the built-in References tool before attempting to create the continued captions.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify SEQ Fields and Add Hyperlinks Manually

This method adjusts the field code of a new caption to mirror the original figure's number, allows you to type "continued", and creates a hyperlink back to the first figure.

Since Word does not natively support repeating caption numbers out of the box, you must alter the Sequence (SEQ) field code. By using a specific switch, you can force the caption to duplicate the preceding number.

Insert a standard caption

Select your second image or the continuation of your figure. Navigate to the References tab and click Insert Caption to add a standard caption. Word will automatically number this as the next figure (e.g., Figure 2).

Reveal field codes

Press Alt + F9 on your keyboard to reveal the document's field codes. Your new caption will look something like { SEQ Figure \* ARABIC }.

Modify the SEQ field code

Change the field code of the new caption to { SEQ Figure \c }. The "\c" switch instructs Word to repeat the closest preceding sequence number instead of incrementing it. Press Alt + F9 again to hide the field codes, then select the caption and press F9 to update it.

Add the continued label

Click next to the repeated figure number in your document and manually type "(continued)" or your preferred text.

Hyperlink to the original caption

Highlight your newly created "continued" caption. Go to the Insert tab, click Hyperlink (or Link), select "Place in This Document" on the left panel, and choose the original Figure 1 caption from the list to create the link.

Modify SEQ Fields and Add Hyperlinks Manually

Updating the Table of Figures: Customized captions may not appear in your Table of Figures by default. To include them, ensure you generate the Table of Figures based on the "Caption" paragraph style rather than just the SEQ field.

Create Professional Documents and Captions with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a fully compatible, lightweight word processor that allows you to easily manage advanced field codes, insert custom captions, and build complex tables of figures for professional documents.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your document containing the figures you wish to caption.
2. Insert initial caption: Navigate to the References tab and click Insert Caption to apply the standard numbering to your first figure.
3. Toggle field codes for continued figures: Insert a caption for the next part of the figure, right-click the number, select Toggle Field Codes, and add the \c switch to repeat the number.
4. Link back to the original: Type "Continued" manually, then use the Insert > Hyperlink feature to link this new caption back to your first figure.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx)Seamless manipulation of field codes for repeating custom captionsRobust referencing tools for building precise tables of figuresFree to use with a lightweight, intuitive user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren't my "continued" captions appearing in the Table of Figures?

By default, the Table of Figures looks for specific sequential field labels. If you modified the field heavily, it might be skipped. To fix this, generate your Table of Figures using the "Caption" paragraph style (via the Options button in the Table of Figures dialog) instead of relying solely on the Figure label.

Can I automate the "continued" caption process for future use?

While there isn't a direct automation button, you can save time by creating the "Figure 1 (continued)" caption once, highlighting it, and saving it to your Quick Parts or AutoText gallery. You can then insert it instantly in other parts of the document.

What does the \c switch do in a SEQ field?

The \c switch is a command within Word's field codes that instructs the sequence (SEQ) field to fetch and repeat the closest preceding sequence number of the same label, rather than calculating the next number in the sequence.

Why isn't the original caption showing in the Hyperlink menu?

If the original caption doesn't appear in the "Place in This Document" list, you may need to manually add a Bookmark to the original Figure 1. Highlight the original caption, go to Insert > Bookmark, name it (e.g., Fig1), and then hyperlink your continued caption to that specific bookmark.

Document & File Issues