Table numbers not visible when trying to create Cross-reference in Word for Mac

Question

I've created some tables in my document that i know want to reference in the text, but i click on Cross-reference the dialogu box doesn't show the table numbers. It jsut has "Table" and then whatever the caption on the table is. The tables themselves have numbers which were created using the "Insert capton" feature. I've attached an image to demonstrate.

I've used table captions and cross-references quite a bit in the past but this is the first time i've seen this behaviour. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Answer 1

It sounds like you’re encountering an issue where the cross-reference dialog box in Word isn’t displaying the table numbers correctly, even though you’ve used the “Insert Caption” feature. Here are some steps and suggestions to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Update Fields:

• Press Ctrl + A to select the entire document.
  • Press F9 to update all fields. This can sometimes resolve issues with cross-references not displaying correctly.
  Check Caption Style:

  - Ensure that all table captions are using the same style. Inconsistent styles can cause issues with cross-references.
  
     - Go to the “References” tab, click “Insert Caption,” and make sure the label is set to “Table.”
  
     **Recreate Cross-References**:
  
        - Sometimes, cross-references can become corrupted. Try deleting the problematic cross-references and recreating them.
  
           - Go to the “References” tab, click “Cross-reference,” and select the appropriate table caption.
  
           **Check for Hidden Bookmarks**:
  
              - Cross-references in Word use hidden bookmarks. If these bookmarks are missing or corrupted, it can cause issues.
  
                 - Press **`Alt + F9`** to display field codes and check if the bookmarks are correctly placed.
  
                 **Document Corruption**:
  
                    - If the document is large or has been heavily edited, it might be corrupted. Try copying the content to a new document and see if the issue persists.
  
                    **Update Word**:
  
                       - Ensure that your version of Word is up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs and improve functionality.
  

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you might want to consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on your version of Word and the details of your document.

Answer 2

If you see this in any document which contains table captions, report the issue to Microsoft using the Feedback facility.

Answer 3

Hi @Rhys Thomas

Could you please check the Office version number?

You may update Office to the latest one for a check.

Do you enable the "Track Changes"?

If so, please copy the file, accept changes in the copy, and create cross-reference for a check.

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Answer 4

Thanks everyone. Alvin's suggestion for large, edited documents to copy and paste into another document was the key. It was a big file and i'd done a lot of cut/copy and pasting with CTrack Changes turned on, and that had somehow completely rogered it! When i selected all, and then copy and pasted into the new file, it seemed to automatically accept all changes which resulted in about half the text and most the tables completely disappearing! So jiajing you were right!
I went back to the original document and accepted all changes and it did the same thing! Strangely, and fortunately, i could copy and paste bit by bit and it seems to work fine, but i just had to update some fields and redo some cross references.

I've learnt my lesson to be careful with Track Changes!! I had no idea it could break a document like that! I've wasted two days trying to sort this out!

Answer 5

Hi @Rhys Thomas

I am glad you found a breakthrough om your issue and thanks very much for your sharing.

Since the Microsoft Q&A community has a policy that "The question author cannot accept their own answer. They can only accept answers by others.", and according to the scenario introduced here: Answering your own questions on Microsoft Q&A, I would make a brief summary of this thread:

====================

Issue Symptom:

Table numbers (which were created using the "Insert Caption" feature) not visible when trying to create Cross-reference in Word for Mac.

(Possible) Cause:

Do a lot of cut/copy and paste from a large, edited document to another document with Track Changes turned on.

Workaround:

Beware of documents containing too many tracked changes.

Besides, try copying the content bit by bit to a new document and then update some fields and redo some cross references.

<Provided by Alvin M. Silva and Rhys Thomas>

====================

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