# (Probably) Simple MSWord question

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 16, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741 "2007-11-16T19:09:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jk1245](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/49beb7/32.png) [@jk1245](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jk1245)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741/1 "2007-11-16T19:09:07Z")

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Is there some way I can create an updating cross reference to a particular text block in Word? I know how to use the cross reference feature for Tables and Figures and whatnot, but how about for just a simple piece of text.

For example, say I have some piece of text that changes and is referred to in other sections of the document like this:

“the answer to that question is Rosebud”

Then "rosebud is referred to several times throughout the document.

Is there anyway to I can have the text updated whenever I change that initial reference point?

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**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2007, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741/2 "2007-11-16T20:32:41Z")

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[QUOTE=jk1245]  
Is there anyway to I can have the text updated whenever I change that initial reference point?  
[/QUOTE]  
Not sure what you mean. If you mean that you want to easy change ALL the occurences of “Rosebud” to “SomethingElse”, then just go Edit/Replace and press “Replace All”.

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**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2007, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741/3 "2007-11-17T05:25:09Z")

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Yes. You want to use the Autotext feature. Define what the autotext is (Rosebud, in this case), then instead of typing Rosebud the next time, insert an Autotext field. Changing the value of the entry will update all instances of the field.

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**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2007, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-simple-msword-question/426741/4 "2007-11-17T18:54:09Z")

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I (think I) know what you’re talking about… You have to mark the text as a Bookmark.

- Type in: “A1 - Rosebud”
- select “Rosebud”
- Choose Insert/Bookmark and give this new bookmark the name “A1”
- Type in: "The answer to question one is "
- Choose Insert/Reference/Cross Reference and choose the bookmark “A1”