Numbering "Position" Is Relative to Indent Level (116368)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q116368

SYMPTOMS

The Preview picture in the Modify part of Format Heading Numbering and Format Bullets and Numbering Multilevel dialogs does not reflect what actually happens when "Number and Position" is included from a previous level. When "Number and Position" is carried from a previous level and applied to indented paragraphs, the number for the level 1 paragraphs will appear:

  • At the indented position appropriate for the current level paragraph when Heading Numbering is used.
  • Flush left when Multilevel numbering is used. Numbers carried from subsequent levels will appear at half-inch intervals to the right.

CAUSE

When "Position" is carried from a previous level and applied to a paragraph that is indented, the position of the number is relative to the indent level of the current paragraph.

MORE INFORMATION

The following is an example of what will happen when "Number and Position" is included from a previous level and you modify the Heading Numbering gallery option 2 (top, center). 
   Expected outcome based on the Preview picture
   ---------------------------------------------

     1.      Text of line 1
              wrapped text here.
     1.1      Text of line 2
              wrapped here.
     1.1.1    Text of line 3
              wrapped text to here.
     1.1.1.1. Text of line 4
              wrapped here.

   Actual outcome
   --------------

     1. Text of line 1
          wrapped text here.
          1. 1. Text of line 2
               wrapped here.
               1. 1. 1    Text of line 3
                    wrapped text to here.
                       1. 1. 1. 1. Text of line 4
                            wrapped here.
The Preview picture for Multilevel numbering gallery options 4 and 5 appears the same as that for the Heading numbering example given above, but the outcome is slightly different. 
   Actual outcome
   --------------

     1. Text for level 1
          wrapped here
     1    .1   Text for level 2
               wrapped here
     1    .1   .1   Text for level 3
                    wrapped here

RESOLUTION

To achieve the result indicated by the Preview picture for Heading Numbering, include only the number from the previous level (the default for gallery option 2). After applying the Heading Numbering, modify the Heading styles to remove indents for levels below Heading 1.

To modify the Heading styles:

  1. From the Format menu, choose Styles.
  2. In the Styles list, select Heading 2.
  3. Choose the Modify button.
  4. Choose the Format button.
  5. Choose the Paragraph button.
  6. In the Indentation from Left box, type the amount of indentation you want. If you want the Heading 2 paragraphs to be flush with the left margin, type a 0 (zero).
  7. Choose OK.
  8. Choose OK again.
  9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 for each heading style you want to modify.
Note: To make the changes apply to all future documents based on the current template, select the "Add to Template" check box in the lower left corner of the Modify dialog.

To achieve the result indicated by the Preview picture for Multilevel Numbering, choose gallery option 6 (bottom, right) and make the following modifications:

  1. Check the hanging indent box for level 1.
  2. Change the "Distance from Indent to Text" to .5" for level 1.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 185-188
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/16/2005
Keywords:KB116368
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.