How Do I Remove Cross References in Word?

To remove cross references in Word, you can either convert them to static text, delete the cross-reference fields entirely, or manage the cross-reference formats. Converting to static text preserves the visible text but removes the link and update functionality, while deleting the field removes the text and the link altogether.

Here are the main ways to remove or modify cross references:

Converting Cross-References to Static Text

This is often the preferred method if you want to keep the text from the cross-reference (like a page number or heading text) but no longer want it to update automatically or function as a clickable link.

1. Select the cross-reference(s): You can select a single cross-reference or select a range of text containing multiple cross-references. To select the entire document, press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac).
2. Unlink the field:
   • Right-click on the selected cross-reference(s).
   • From the context menu, select Update Field (this is sometimes necessary if the option below isn't immediately available or to ensure the field displays the latest information before converting).
   • Right-click again on the selected cross-reference(s).
   • From the context menu, select Toggle Field Codes (this shows you the underlying code, like { REF _Ref123456 \h }).
   • With the field code visible, select it.
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + F9 (Windows) or Cmd + 6 (Mac). This command unlinks the field, converting the currently displayed value into plain, static text.

Alternatively, for selected cross-references:

• Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac) to select the whole document.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + F9 (Windows) or Cmd + 6 (Mac). Be cautious: This will convert all fields in your document to static text, including table of contents, indexes, figure captions, etc.

Deleting Cross-Reference Fields

If you want to remove the cross-reference text and the link entirely from your document, you can simply delete the field like any other text.

1. Locate the cross-reference: Find the specific cross-reference you want to remove.
2. Select the field: Click and drag your cursor to select the cross-reference text. Often, the entire field will appear shaded grey when you click on it, indicating it's a field.
3. Delete: Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard.

Deleting a Cross-Reference Format

Word allows you to create custom formats for cross-references. Removing a format is a specific action different from removing the cross-references themselves from the document body, but it can prompt you to convert cross-references using that format to text.

Based on the reference:

• Open the Edit Cross-Reference Format dialog. (The exact steps to access this dialog can vary slightly depending on your Word version and setup).
• In the dialog, select an existing format from the Formats list.
• Click the Delete button to remove the selected cross-reference format from the Document Catalog.
• Click Done.
• You are prompted to change all cross-references that use the deleted format to editable text. This gives you the option to convert those specific cross-references to static text, as described in the first method.

This method is useful if you've created custom formats you no longer need. Deleting the format itself doesn't automatically delete the cross-reference text in your document, but it offers the opportunity to convert them to static text.

By using these methods, you can effectively manage or remove cross references in your Word document according to your needs.