You can easily cross-reference content within your InDesign documents to link related text, headings, figures, or other anchored objects.
To cross-reference in InDesign, you typically use the Cross-References panel to create and insert a dynamic link from one part of your document to another.
Methods to Access the Cross-References Feature
InDesign provides a dedicated panel for managing cross-references. You can access this panel and initiate the creation of a new cross-reference using the following methods:
-
Using the Type Menu:
- Go to the top menu bar.
- Choose Type.
- Select Hyperlinks & Cross-References.
- Choose Insert Cross-Reference....
-
Using the Cross-References Panel:
- Go to the top menu bar.
- Choose Window.
- Select Type & Tables.
- Choose Cross-References to open the panel.
- Once the panel is open, click the Create New Cross-Reference button (often represented by a small '+' icon or similar) within the panel itself or via the panel menu.
Both methods open the New Cross-Reference dialog box, where you define what you are linking from and what you are linking to.
Steps to Create a Cross-Reference
Creating a cross-reference involves selecting the source and destination within your document.
- Place your cursor in the text frame where you want the cross-reference to appear.
- Open the Cross-References panel (Window > Type & Tables > Cross-References) or use the Type menu (Type > Hyperlinks & Cross-References > Insert Cross-Reference...).
- Click the Create New Cross-Reference button in the panel or dialog box.
- In the New Cross-Reference dialog box:
- Choose the Source Document (usually the current document).
- Choose the Link To type (e.g., Paragraph, Anchored Object, Page Number, Figure).
- Navigate and select the specific Destination content within your document (e.g., a specific heading paragraph, a figure caption).
- Choose a Format for the cross-reference (e.g., 'Full Paragraph', 'Page Number', 'See [Text Variable]'). You can also create custom formats.
- Click OK or Insert.
The cross-reference will appear as text in your document. It's a dynamic link, meaning it will update if the destination content moves (e.g., to a different page).
Managing Cross-References
The Cross-References panel ([Window > Type & Tables > Cross-References]) allows you to:
- View all cross-references in the document.
- Edit existing cross-references.
- Update cross-references if the source content changes.
- Resolve cross-reference errors (e.g., if the destination is deleted).
Using cross-references ensures consistency and accuracy in your document links, especially in long publications like books or reports.
| Action | How to Perform |
|---|---|
| Insert New | Type > Hyperlinks & Cross-References > Insert Cross-Reference... OR Window > Type & Tables > Cross-References, then click Create New Cross-Reference. |
| View/Manage Existing | Window > Type & Tables > Cross-References |
| Update | Select cross-references in the panel, then click Update. |
| Edit Format/Destination | Double-click the cross-reference in the panel. |
By following these steps, you can effectively cross-reference elements within your InDesign projects, improving navigation and readability for your audience.
