Add figure captions and linked references across Google Docs tabs

In a report with several tabs, a reference such as “see Figure 3” needs two things: the right number and a link to the right figure. Keep figure and table numbering separate, and decide whether numbers should follow the order of the whole document before adding references.

The free manual method

Write a paragraph below each image or table, such as Figure 1. Response by treatment. Add a Google Docs bookmark at that caption, then link the corresponding “Figure 1” text in your report to the bookmark. A simple list of figures can use the same links.

This works well for a short document. Keep a consistent order across tabs and nested tabs. When you reorder tabs or remove a figure, check the caption numbers, every mention in the text and the list yourself. A bookmark provides navigation; the number you typed still needs maintenance.

Preview numbering with CaptionFill

CaptionFill manages its own captions and linked references in the document where you open it. Its separate figure and table counters follow document order across nested tabs.

1. Open Extensions > CaptionFill > Open CaptionFill and check the Google account shown.
2. Choose Inspect document. Select supported images or tables and enter caption descriptions. Show in document helps you identify the object before choosing it.
3. Choose Preview changes, review the proposed captions and warnings, then Apply.
4. To add an in-text reference, place your cursor in the document and Inspect again. Choose the caption to reference, preview and Apply. The target may be in another tab.
5. To create a list, choose a figure or table list before Preview. It becomes a native linked table, without page numbers.

After reordering tabs, Inspect and preview again to update the managed numbers, references and lists. A deleted target produces a warning; its managed reference can become [Missing target] with the broken link removed. Copied tracking markers can block Apply rather than guess which object a reference should mean. Changes require your Apply; there is no background updater.

Limits and price

The free allowance is 10 active caption targets per document. Updating existing managed captions, references and lists stays free after that creation limit. $9 once per Google account unlocks unlimited creation, subject to Google’s technical limits; there is no renewal.

CaptionFill supports inline images in main-body paragraphs and top-level native tables. It does not caption floating images, drawings, equations, nested tables, headers or footnotes, and it does not import another add-on’s private tracking format. Exact rendered page numbers are outside its scope. Existing manually written captions remain untouched.

Avoid concurrent edits during Apply. Saved progress can resume after reopening; conflicting edits stop recovery rather than overwrite unknown text. Removing tracking keeps visible content and native bookmark links, but stops automatic maintenance. Google Docs version history remains available for reviewing document changes.