[Note that this post refers to InDesign CS3 and earlier. Current versions of InDesign do have a cross-references panel.]
One of the most common requests we see from InDesign users is “How do I do cross-references in InDesign?” Everyone assumes that x-refs must be really easy in a program as powerful as this, but unfortunately Adobe has not yet implemented this feature into the program. So here are a few options you should check out:
- Cross-References plug-in from DTPtools. This is probably the most powerful and robust of the options, and is surprisingly inexpensive. If you’re used to FrameMaker’s x-refs, you should definitely check this out.
- The InXref plug-in from Virginia Systems. Virginia takes a very different approach to cross-references. I’m not as impressed, and it’s more expensive than the one from DTPtools.
- Teus de Jong wrote a nifty little script and is giving it away for free on his site; or click here to download the zip file. This script relies on using hyperlinks. It’s quite good for many x-ref needs.
Of course, we want this feature built-in to InDesign, but until CS4 (or CS5?) these add-ons will sooth the headaches.
This article was last modified on December 18, 2021
This article was first published on August 22, 2007
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