I am writing a report with images. I have used captions under each image referencing the chapter headings (I have multi-level list).


Such as:
Figure 2.7.1-1
Figure 2.7.1-2


However, I noticed that for some of the captions Word references the wrong chapter headings. And when I go to fix it and give it the right chapter heading (1, or 2, or 3, etc), some of my other captions in the document become screwed up. And when I go to fix those ones, the ones before get screwed up again. The captions are in different chapter headings (in different places of the report). This problem is occurring in three chapter headings, the rest are fine. Perhaps they are somehow linked to each other?

Chapter numbering is set according to heading numbering, which should be set according to How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly. If your numbering is not set up in this way you get what is technically described as "spaghetti numbering."

To add to what Charles said, note that you have to update the caption numbers (= SEQ fields), for example by switching to Print Preview (click File | Print) and then exit the preview by pressing the ESC key.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional