Skip to main content

Reference check (3.4a)

The reference in a parallel passage heading or a cross reference has an icon beside it. When you click on the icon, Paratext opens a Quick Reference window to that passage.

Problem with reference​

If there is a problem with the reference, the icon has a red X on it.

By hovering over the red X, you can see a description of the problem.

Scripture reference settings​

  • Open the menu for the project.
  • Expand the menu.
  • Hover over Project Settings and click Scripture Reference settings.
    Three tabs are displayed: Reference Format shows the punctuation and Book names.
    caution

    Only project administrators can change these settings.

To view a list of the errors​

From the Assignment and progress

  • Click the number of issues beside the check.
    Paratext opens a panel showing the reference errors.

Using the menu

  • Open the menu for the project.
  • Under Tools, click Run Basic Checks.
  • Select the check and the Books to check.
  • Click OK.

View an error​

  • Double click the item in the list.
    The project window scrolls to show the error and selects the part Paratext finds problematic.

Common errors​

You might need to refer to the project’s Scripture Reference Settings to see what is valid for your project so you can correct the errors.

Invalid chapter/verse separator​

The separator is often either a period (full stop) or a colon between the chapter number and the verse number.

  • Correct the character.
    When Paratext recognizes that the error is fixed, the red x on the icon goes away.

Invalid verse separator​

The separator is usually either comma (with or without a space).

For a range of verses, use the range of verses separator, which, is usually a hyphen.

Invalid book​

In the book names tab, you set three names for each book: the long name, the short name, and an abbreviation.

Set the names to be used for \xt field and parallel references.

  • Edit the book name.
    The error goes away.

Invalid verse separator​

Errors for this problem can be harder to see.

Check the separator character and any spaces.

Other Possible Errors​

Paratext only checks for references in \r, \ior, \x, \xo, \xt, \fr.

Other markers are not checked. A way to spot that a marker isn’t being checked is to notice when the reference icon is missing.