Cross-References is a modular system which responds to every referencing need. It is a robust solution inspired by a similar feature in Adobe FrameMaker and improved thanks to the greater flexibility of the InDesign environment, utilizing paragraph and character styles with XML driven format.

Cross-references can work as hyperlinks for PDF output; formats can be defined to automatically use the language of surrounding text. References can point across different documents and are updated live for all open documents.

Free reader is available for your service providers and collaborators. The reader takes care of correct updating and has the features for conversion of cross-references to text, just install the trial version of the plug-in and it will keep working as a reader after the expiration.

Cross-References plug-in delivers ultimate cross-referencing functionality to Adobe InDesign and InCopy. The software is seamlessly integrated with the application, all functionality is easily accessible through main menu, context menu and Cross-References panel. This product is the definite answer to any cross-referencing need.

Formats and elements

Cross-reference format consists of elements:

Basic format elements are: file name, footnote number, page number, paragraph number, paragraph text and chapter number (CS3 only).

Each reference and its components can have a specific character style or style override.

Each reference part can be set to appear only in selected languages.

Plug-in comes with pre-defined formats, user defined formats can be added using easy UI or XML code.

Relative page references, such as “previous” or “opposite page”, are supported and can be customized.

References can optionally work as hyperlinks for easier creation of electronic output.

Creating references

References can be made to pre-made source markers, or to any text searchable in style filtered lists.

References – selected or all – can be converted to text.

References can point across documents.

Unresolved x-refs preflight.

References within open documents are automatically updated.

References can quote variables from the source text.

Supports conversion of FrameMaker cross-references when used with DTP Tools MIF Filter import plug-in.

Cross-References plug-in has a panel for source markers and another one for cross-references references list and easy access to the features.

Following and preceeding paragraphs with specified formating can be used instead of selected source.

Cross-References plug-in is scriptable (see Sample scripts and formats for script downloads).

Support for saving as .inx and .idml.

InCopy compatibility.

Re-link feature.

Can’t see a feature you need? Share your idea with us. This list is result of the cooperation between us and users like you.

Cross-References PRO, a plug-in for Adobe InDesign, offers several advantages over the native InDesign cross-referencing functionality. Here’s a list of reasons why it might be better to use Cross-References PRO:

1. Enhanced Modularity: Cross-References PRO allows for more granular control over individual elements of a cross-reference. Users can stylize each part of a reference separately, such as applying different fonts, colors, or sizes to specific components.
2. Cross-Document Referencing: The plug-in enables users to create references that point across different documents, which is particularly useful for complex, multi-document projects.
3. Live Updates: Cross-References PRO updates references live for all open documents, ensuring consistency across your project.
4. Language Adaptation: The plug-in can automatically use the language of surrounding text for cross-reference formats, which is beneficial for multilingual documents.
5. PDF Hyperlink Functionality: Cross-references created with this tool can work as hyperlinks in PDF output, enhancing navigation in digital documents.
6. Footnote References: Unlike native InDesign functionality, Cross-References PRO allows for cross-references to footnotes, expanding the scope of possible refererences.
7. Performance Optimization: The plug-in offers the ability to suspend updates for faster processing of book files, which can be a significant advantage when working with large, complex documents.
8. Familiar Interface: For users coming from FrameMaker, the Cross-References PRO plug-in offers a familiar feel, potentially easing the transition to InDesign for long-document work.
9. Custom Text References: In addition to paragraph-based references, the plug-in allows for references by custom text, offering more flexibility in how content is linked.
10. Source Markers: Cross-References PRO introduces the concept of Source Markers, allowing users to reference specific words or phrases within a paragraph, rather than just entire paragraphs or styles.
11. Extensive Customization: The plug-in provides more extensive options for modifying cross-reference definitions through simple coding, offering greater control over the appearance and behavior of references.
12. Faster performance: Updating references is faster and in long text and reference heavy documents the plug-in allows user t disable live updates and update manually when needed, keeping th editing work swift and compute load low.

While InDesign’s native cross-referencing has improved over time, Cross-References PRO still offers these additional features and flexibilities that can be particularly valuable for complex document workflows or specialized referencing needs.