Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Inserting a Cross-Reference to the First Style on a Page.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 25, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Word includes a cross-reference feature that allows you to indicate the contents of a paragraph formatted with a specific style. This is done with fields, and is used primarily in headers or footers. For instance, let's suppose your document uses headers or footers that refer to headings appearing on the page. This is frequently done in reference material, and is a great help to the reader. You can use the following steps to set up this type of cross-reference.
If you set up your header or footer this way, then every time the contents of the referenced paragraph style changes, the contents of the header or footer will change. For instance, let's say that you are using the Heading 2 style in the field. Every time a new paragraph formatted with the Heading 2 style is encountered in your document, the contents of that paragraph are inserted in place of the field in the header or footer.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1002) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Inserting a Cross-Reference to the First Style on a Page.
Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!
Don't want a header or footer to appear on just a portion of your document? It's easy to do when you understand that ...
Discover MoreEditing what is in your page header or footer is fairly easy, and you can use the same editing techniques you already ...
Discover MoreWhen you need to make changes to the header or footer of a document, the Header and Footer toolbar is invaluable. What if ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments