01Insert a caption
- Click the figure or table.
- Go to References, then Insert Caption.
- Choose the label (Figure or Table), type the caption text, and choose Above or Below selected item.
Tip The usual convention is table captions above the table and figure captions below the figure. Follow your own template if it says otherwise.
02Refer to a figure in the text
If you add a figure earlier in the document, select all and press F9. Every number and every reference updates.
- Place the cursor where the mention goes.
- References, then Cross-reference.
- Reference type: Figure. Reference to: Only label and number. Pick the figure and insert.
03Build a list of figures or list of tables
- Click where the list should go, usually after the table of contents.
- References, then Insert Table of Figures.
- Choose the caption label (Figure or Table) and confirm. Repeat for the other label.
04Common problems
- A caption does not appear in the list: it was typed by hand. Delete it and use Insert Caption.
- Numbers skip or repeat: press Control-A then F9 to update all fields.
- The caption jumps to another page: select the figure and the caption and turn on Keep with next.
Q&AFAQ
Can I change "Figure" to "Fig."?
Yes. In the Insert Caption dialog choose New Label and type the label you want.
Can I number captions by chapter (Figure 2.1)?
Yes. In Insert Caption choose Numbering, then Include chapter number. Chapter titles must use Heading 1 with numbering.
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