autoref

Autoref is a LaTeX cross-referencing feature that automatically prefixes a reference with the type of the object being referenced. It is provided by the hyperref package and is commonly used to produce clickable references such as “Figure 2,” “Table 4,” or “Section 3.1” in PDF output. The command used is \autoref{label}, which expands to the appropriate type name followed by the object’s number, rather than just the numeric reference produced by \ref.

Usage and behavior: Include the hyperref package in the preamble, typically loaded late in the sequence of packages. After labeling objects with \label, references can be generated with \autoref{label}. For example, a labeled figure created with \begin{figure} ... \caption{...}\label{fig:example}\end{figure} can be referenced as \autoref{fig:example}, yielding “Figure 1” and a hyperlink to the figure.

Customization: The wording used for each type in autoref is configurable. You can redefine the corresponding autorefname macros, such as \figurautorefname or \tableautorefname, to change the displayed terms (for instance from “Figure” to “Fig.”) or to adapt to localization. Hyperref offers language options so autoref terms appear in the document’s language. For more complex cross-referencing needs, the cleveref package provides additional commands with broader type handling and pluralization features.

Relation to other tools: While autoref provides simple, consistent typing for common environments, the cleveref package extends cross-referencing capabilities and can be used alongside hyperref for enhanced formatting and multi-type references.

Limitations: Autoref relies on proper labeling and a functioning hyperref setup. In complex documents or with certain package interactions, some references may require careful placement or minor adjustments.