Working with links and references in Zoho Writer
Overview
Zoho Writer allows you to add hyperlinks, bookmarks, tables of contents, captions, and cross-references to help readers navigate your document easily. These tools are useful for documentation, long-form writing, reports, and academic work.
Prerequisites
- Apply Heading Styles if you want to create a Table of Contents
- Insert images, tables, or charts before adding captions
Steps
How to add a hyperlink
- Select the text you want to turn into a link.
- Click the Link icon located in the toolbar, or go to the Insert tab --> Link.
In the pop-up, enter the external URL or select a section/heading within the document.
- Click Link.
How to add a bookmark
- Select the text or place your cursor where you want the bookmark.
- Go to the Insert tab --> Bookmark.
- Enter a bookmark name and click Insert.
To manage bookmarks, go to
Insert tab -->
Bookmark --> Advanced options, and click go to, delete or modify bookmarks.

How to create a table of contents (TOC)
- Ensure that your headings use proper Heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
- Place your cursor where you want the TOC to appear.
- Go to the Insert tab --> Table of Contents. Choose your preferences and click Insert.
If you edit or add headings later, refresh the TOC: click the TOC, then Refresh, and choose either Update page numbers only or Update entire table.
How to add captions to objects
- Select the object (table, image, chart, equation) or place your cursor next to where you want it.
- Go to the Insert tab --> References --> Captions --> Insert a Caption.

In the Insert Caption window:
- Choose the object type (e.g., Figure, Table, or custom label).
- Set the numbering format.
- Add a description label.
- Choose the position (above or below the object).
- Optionally include chapter numbers.
(Optional) To enable auto captioning: go to Insert > Captions > Auto Caption and define object types, label, and positioning.
How to insert a cross-reference
- Place your cursor where you want to add the reference.
- Go to the Insert tab --> References --> Cross Reference.
- In the Cross-Reference panel:
- Select the type (Heading, Numbered List item, Bookmark, Footnote/Endnote, Captioned object).
- Select the specific item to reference.
- Choose the display format (text, page number, above/below) as required.
- Click Insert Cross Reference.
- If the referenced content moves or gets edited, click the cross-reference and select Update Field to refresh it.
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