Fix Missing or Incomplete Reference Lists in FrameMaker 12
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where generating a list of references in FrameMaker 12 results in missing or incomplete data.

- 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.
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.
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 If the internal index of cross-references is outdated, the generated list will appear empty or incomplete.
Launch FrameMaker 12 and open the document or book file where the reference list is missing.
Navigate to the top menu and click on Edit, then select Update References to refresh all internal and external links.
Go to the Special menu, select List of References, and choose Imported Graphics or Unresolved Cross-References to generate the updated list.

Consult the Dedicated FrameMaker Community
Seek version-specific troubleshooting from the official user community for persistent issues.
Create Structured Documents Easily with WPS Office
If you are struggling with complex documentation software, consider switching to WPS Office. WPS Writer is a lightweight, intuitive, and highly compatible alternative that makes managing cross-references, tables of contents, and imported graphics incredibly simple.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office from the official website and open WPS Writer.
- 2. Insert references easily: Navigate to the References tab on the top ribbon to manage your table of contents, footnotes, and cross-references.
- 3. Manage cross-references: Click on 'Cross-reference' to reliably link to headings, numbered items, or figures within your document.

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.




