I've learned the difference between * MERGEFORMAT and * CHARFORMAT, but can't seem to manually format a cross-reference field. I'm using Office Pro Plus 2013. Here are my steps:

• Insert a cross-reference
• Reveal field codes
• Add the * CHARFORMAT switch
• Select the space between "{" and "REF"
• Format it (e.g. font color = red)
• Hide field codes

The field will not appear in red. (Note: there is no * MERGEFORMAT switch at any point in these steps.)

What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

The space does not count. Format REF or at least the "R."

Using Fields in Microsoft Word
The Difference between MergeFormat and CharFormat switches by Charles Kenyon

AHA! I needed to update the field after formatting the "R". Thanks for your help.

You are welcome.


(I usually press the F9 to update before toggling back to display field results.)