How to Use WPS Cross-Reference on macOS

Use WPS Cross-Reference with 4 how-to topics: insert a cross-reference, update a cross-reference, update all fields in a document, and toggle field codes; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Insert a Cross-Reference

Entry: References tab → Cross-Reference

1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the reference.
2. Click Cross-Reference on the References tab.
3. Select a reference type, such as heading, caption, bookmark, or footnote.
4. Select what to insert, such as the full item, label and number, or page number.
5. Select the specific target item.
6. Click Insert to finish.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The selected cross-reference appears in the document.
• What you can do next: Continue editing the document or insert more references.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the document does not yet contain a valid reference target, the list may not show available items.
• Environment note: Create headings, captions, bookmarks, or footnotes before inserting the cross-reference.

2. Update a Cross-Reference

Entry: Right-click the reference → Update Field

1. Select or right-click an existing cross-reference in the document.
2. Click Update Field in the context menu.
3. Check whether the reference text, number, or page number has been refreshed.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The displayed reference updates to match the current document state.
• What you can do next: Keep editing the document and update the reference again later if needed.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: After changing the referenced content, forgetting to update the field may leave an older result on screen.

3. Update All Fields in a Document

Entry: Document editing area

1. Press Control+A to select the full document.
2. Press Fn+F9 to update all fields.
3. Check whether the cross-references in the document have refreshed together.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: Multiple references in the document update together.
• What you can do next: Save, export, or continue formatting the document.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Updating only one reference does not refresh other references elsewhere in the document.

4. Toggle Field Codes

Entry: Context menu or shortcut key

1. Select the cross-reference that is displaying unexpectedly.
2. Right-click and choose Toggle Field Codes, or press Shift+Fn+F9.
3. Check whether the field is currently showing code or result.
4. If needed, toggle it again to return to the normal display.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The selected field switches between field code and displayed result.
• What you can do next: Continue checking field status or return to normal reading view.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Mistaking field code display for the final visible result during layout review.