Cross reference headings start from Section 2

Question

A client has sent me a Style Guide document, which I am to use to create a template for reports. When I check the cross reference list for headings, all headings show except the entirety of the Section 1 headings are missing.

All headings in the document are created with the same style. Section 1 headings show in the navigation page and the ToC. Track changes is not turned on.

Answer 1

Hi @Celina Hatton,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

According to your concern, if Section 1 headings appear in the Navigation pane and TOC but are missing from the Cross‑reference Heading list, it may be due to:

• They are not in the main document: Word’s Cross‑reference Heading list only surfaces headings that are in the main body, formatted with built‑in Heading 1 to 9 paragraph styles. Headings inside headers/footers or text boxes, text shapes won’t show.
• The style applied is not the built-in Heading 1 to Heading 9, or only part of the paragraph is styled.

As workarounds, I suggest you should double check these things:

1/ Ensure headings are in the main document body (inline)

• Click a missing Section 1 heading and go to Layout > Wrap Text and confirm it is In line with text.
• If it sits inside a text box/shape or in Header/Footer, move the heading into the main body

2/ Make sure that built‑in heading styles are applied to entire paragraphs

• Place the cursor in each missing heading (do not select individual words).
• Then open Styles pane by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S and apply Heading 1/Heading 2/… (built‑in).
• If a custom style name is in use, modify the built‑in Heading n style to match the required look and apply that.

You can have more information and sharing from other moderators and users in this case which had the same issue as you do: Missing Headings in Cross Reference list - Microsoft Q&A

Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, you can try double checking those things and see if it works. If not, we can work together to find a solution.   

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.    

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I'm looking forward to your reply.

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