How can I keep figure and table numbers correct as a report changes?

In LibreOffice Writer, give each figure and table a caption using Insert > Caption. Select the appropriate category and options; Writer numbers captions within each category. [S1]

Then, when you mention an item in a paragraph, insert a cross-reference to its caption using Insert > Cross-reference. Select the caption category and caption number, then choose how the reference should display. [S2] A typed phrase such as “see Figure 3” is just text, not an inserted cross-reference field, and may not update when the document changes.

Suppose you have a chart about monthly requests. Its caption might read “Figure 2: Monthly requests.” In the paragraph, you could write, “The monthly pattern is shown in Figure 2.” To make the number update with the caption, insert a cross-reference field in place of the typed “Figure 2,” choosing a display format that fits the sentence. [S2]

For a table, use the table caption category and insert a reference to that caption in the same way. The category and caption number you select determine which caption the reference points to. [S1][S2] This way, the sentence can read naturally while the reference remains a field rather than a manually typed number.

After a substantial edit, refresh numbering and fields, then check that the references still point to the intended items. Writer’s help says moving a captioned object may require updating caption numbering with F9. [S1] To update cross-reference fields, use Tools > Update > Fields or press F9. [S2]

A practical pass is: finish the insertions, moves, and deletions; update caption numbering if needed; update fields; then read through the document and check each reference against its figure or table. If a reference is wrong, insert or select the intended caption reference rather than correcting the number by typing over it. These steps are specific to Writer and do not make manually typed numbers into linked references.

Treat the lists as a separate review item. After updating captions and fields, check that every listed item is present, its displayed number and wording match its caption, and the order is appropriate. The Writer guidance described here covers captions and cross-reference fields, but not the exact behavior or refresh steps for figure and table lists. Check the help for the list feature you use rather than assuming that updating cross-references refreshes those lists too.

Use this final pass:

1. Confirm each figure and table has a caption in the intended category.
2. Confirm in-text references are cross-reference fields, not typed numbers.
3. Update caption numbering if needed, then update fields.
4. Check each reference against the item it names.
5. Review figure and table lists separately, including their wording and order.

This workflow helps keep linked numbers in step, but it cannot automatically update manually typed references or confirm that a reference still makes sense in context.