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Fix Missing or Incomplete Reference Lists in FrameMaker 12

Algirdas JasaitisAlgirdas Jasaitis Oct 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where generating a list of references in FrameMaker 12 results in missing or incomplete data.

Fix Missing or Incomplete Reference Lists in FrameMaker 12
Product
FrameMaker 12
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Using the Special > List of References command to compile a list of imported graphics or unresolved cross-references.
Observed behavior
The generated reference list is empty or incomplete, failing to display all the imported graphics or unresolved cross-references present in the document.
Before you start

Ensure your document is fully saved and that all external files, such as source documents and linked graphics, are accessible in their original file paths.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Document Settings and Update References

Force the software to update all document links and cross-references before generating the reference list.

FrameMaker relies on active internal linkages to compile accurate reference lists. If the internal index of cross-references is outdated, the generated list will appear empty or incomplete.

1
Open the target document

Launch FrameMaker 12 and open the document or book file where the reference list is missing.

2
Update references

Navigate to the top menu and click on Edit, then select Update References to refresh all internal and external links.

3
Generate the list again

Go to the Special menu, select List of References, and choose Imported Graphics or Unresolved Cross-References to generate the updated list.

Verify Document Settings and Update References
Check the Console: Review the FrameMaker console window for any specific error messages regarding broken links or missing graphic files during the update process.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cross-references marked as unresolved?

Cross-references typically become unresolved if the destination source file has been moved or renamed, or if the specific paragraph or marker being referenced was deleted or modified.

How do I manually find unresolved cross-references in a document?

You can use the Find/Change panel by navigating to Edit > Find/Change, and then selecting 'Unresolved Cross-Reference' from the Find drop-down menu to locate them individually.

Does updating references fix missing graphics in the list?

Yes, running the Update References command forces the software to re-scan the document for all linked graphics and text markers, which usually resolves missing items in newly generated reference lists.