A cross-reference refers to an item in another location. Word allows you to create cross-references in documents. For example, you can create a cross-reference that refers the reading to a specific heading or a specific figure. You can cross-reference any of the following items:

• Captions
• Footnotes
• Bookmarks
• Headings
• Numbered paragraphs

Before you go ahead and create a cross-reference, there are a few rules that you should be aware of. First of all, the item you cross-reference must be in the same document. If you want to cross reference an item that is in a different document, you have to combine both documents into a master document. Second, the item you are cross-referencing must already be in the document.

With that in mind, you can create a cross reference using the steps below:

1. Within your document, type the beginning text of your cross-reference.
2. On the References tab, click the Cross-Reference button.
3. Select the type of item you want to reference.
4. Select the type of cross-reference you want to insert.
5. Select the cross-reference and click Insert.
6. Click Close.