Cross-references in a Master Document

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Contents

Description of the Problem

Lets say that a sub-document (an inserted document) of a master document must contain a cross-reference to an element in another sub-document in the same master document. In the case, it is not possible to use the Fields window to define and insert the refrence in the "traditional" manner.


More Concretely...

Let's say that the master document contains a sub-document that details the contents of other documents. Sort of like a table of contents, but more detailed.

In this sub-document, we want the page numbers to appear, similar to a table of contents. For example, we might have the phrase "I discuss the relationship between dolphins and seals below (page X)." This "X" must correspond to a page in another sub-document of the master document (it does not matter if the other sub-document is above or below the current one). Because the document is in the process of being written, I do not know what page will be the first page of my chapter on the relationship between dophins and seals. If there is only one reference in my document, I could keep it up to date manually, then I would be treating my computer like a typewriter.

In this case, it is best to use a reference I call a global reference. Thanks to this reference, the page number will be updated with each change to the page.


Procedure

Since an illustration is more helpful than a long discourse, the following is an example of the technique;

  • My master document contains a sub-document named dolphins_and_seals.odt<tt> containing a chapter titled "The Relationship Between Dolphins and Seals."
  • my master document contains another sub-document, named <tt>abstract.odt<tt> that contains the line "I discuss the relationship between dolphinis and seals below (page X)."
  • I want want the number (X) in "page X" to always refer to the page number of my chapter on the relationship between dolphiins and seals, regardless of any changes I make in the document.


Procedure for the Creation of a "Global" Reference

To create and use this global reference, follow the three steps below:


Step One: Defining the Reference

It is assumed that a master document has been created, which contains a sub-document <tt>abstract.odt<tt>and the sub-document <tt>dolphins_and_seals.odt.
Action Operation/Result Shortcut
1. Edit the sub-documents dolphins_and_seals.odt In the Navigator, in the section "Links," double-click on the sub document dolphins_and_seals.odt ---
—> NeoOffice opens the document dolphins_and_seals.odt and places it in front.
2. Select the Text of the Reference In this document, select the title "Relationship between dolphins and seals." (or simply place the cursor at the beginning of this title.) ---
3. Open the Fields Under the Insert menu, choose Fields then Other.... ---
—> NeoOffice opens the Fields dialog
4. Choose the Tab Choose the References tab ---
5. Define the Reference In the left column, select "Define a Reference"
In the Name (in the bottom right of the dialog box), give a name to this reference, here "relDolphinsSeals"
Attention ! Make a note of the name that you have given to this reference, because it will not appear later!
Tip: select the name of the reference using the mouse, the copy it (Command-c). The name will now be on the clipboard; then you can paste it (Command-v)
6. Insert the definition of the reference Click on the Insert button...
... then close the Fields dialog box by clicking close.
—> NeoOffice closes the Fields dialog box after creating the (invisible) reference.
7. Save the Document Save the document dolphins_and_seals.odt
(And close it, if you do not have other edits to make in it).
Command-s (then Command-w)


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