I have been trying for hours to create a template in Word 2016 that includes coding for an auto-numbered list. I want the numbers to start at "0", indent text .25 for level 1, .50 for level 2 and .75 for level 3. When I set the coding and save as a word template, close and re-open and test it, the number does not start at "0" but instead at .25 (or sometimes .50). Why isn't the coding "sticking"? I've tried this on both- documents I have already created, and a clean document (from scratch). It's not working. How frustrating!

Follow the directions at How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly

Thank you for your reply. I followed the directions, and realized that these were settings for text already typed into a document. I need the auto-numbering to work when hitting the enter key, not line by line. If you have any other ideas I'd like to hear them, and thank you in advance.

You can set them without any text.
How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly

You could also press the Enter key 8 times to make 9 paragraphs, format the paragraphs using separate styles (heading styles probably work best). That way you can see what your settings are. Once your numbering and styles are set up, you can delete any text.