Definition of Cross Reference

The concept of cross-reference refers to all the information that appears in a text and that refers to a different document. It is, therefore, a signaling system that allows the reader to find specific and more extensive information.

Cross references are used in conventional printed documents (novels, essays, textbooks or works of investigation) and in Internet. In any case, the variants of cross references are very diverse: an asterisk or a small number accompanying a word in a text (footnotes), an explanatory table, a hyperlink, bookmarks, images, numbered lists, etc. In this way, just as when reading a printed document, we use a marker to mark a word or a paragraph, in the virtual reading there appear indications that allow to signal the information.

In short, cross-references can be understood as a utensil or tool at the service of knowledge.

In Word, in Excel and in other programs

When we work in Word, cross references are very useful. Through them we can go to a marker or a certain image. To facilitate its operation, Word programs incorporate the cross-reference option.

From this option you have to choose, select and insert the element to be referenced (for example, a marker). In this way, some examples of cross references in Word would be the following: Return to page 4, as shown in table 3, in the illustration 6, etc.

In the cells used in the spreadsheets of Excel cross-references can also be made, for example in a file or in a spreadsheet different. In short, it is about linking data in order to integrate the information in a joint way.

In programs such as Acces or in java, cross-references are also used as work tools.

Why are cross references useful?

There is no single answer to the question, since the usefulness of this tool is very broad. First of all, the reading of a text and its comprehension is facilitated. Second, a certain explanatory order is provided.

On the other hand, cross-references allow the information to be permanently updated. Finally, this tool multiplies the possibilities of increasing the volume of information on a given topic.

Photos: Fotolia - Oleg Erin / Gstudio