How to insert hidden chapter markers (headings) into existing Word outline?

[GKent]

I am creating a document that will contain one master document and multiple subdocuments - all of which are separate files and will represent separate chapters. I am using "list styles" to create an outline based on the generic Headings. My outline is required to be the typical outline:

1
1.1


1.1.1
1.1.1.1

Each subdocument is at the 1.1 level. Each subdocument will also need to be marked as a chapter - so the page numbers can reflect each chapter and the Master Document can recognize them as chapters. But, I want each chapter heading to be hidden so the outline only shows the 1.1. It will look like: (Chapter 1) 1.1.

I know how to show the words "chapter" next to the second level which would appear like Chapter 1.1. But, I really need the word "chapter " to be hidden and the 1.1 to be visible. Again, these will be configured in each subdocument with (Chapter 1) 1.1 in the first subdocument and (Chapter 2) 1.2 in the second, and so forth.

Is there a way to have a hidden chapter title on an already existing Word outline? If not, is there a way to force chapters (for the sake of page numbers) while keeping an existing outline? Thank you all!

[Charles Kenyon]

Not responsive, sorry, but very important.

Do not use the Master Document "feature" unless you are both brave and experienced.
It has serious bugs and will corrupt your entire document at the most inconvenient time possible. (This advice to not use Master Documents reported as correct through Word 2010.) John McGhie put it succinctly when he said that "there are two kinds of Master Documents: Those that are corrupt and those that will be corrupt soon." It was reported fixed in Word 2007, but "The jury is in: The Master Document feature in Word 2010 remains word processing's answer to Conan the Destroyer. Use it only if you enjoy pain and frustration." Microsoft Word 2010 Bible by Herb Tyson, MVP. "Since its inception, the Master Documents feature has been a bit quirky and buggy, and that fact hasn't changed with Word 2010, unfortunately." Microsoft Word 2010 In Depth by Faithe Wempen, p. 681

Master Documents Feature in Microsoft Word


I have no reason to believe that this is different for Word on the Mac.

[GKent]

Thanks. I am aware of this and am in the process of getting the no-Master-Document change approved by my superiors! Until then, I am going to find every solution I can to make this work!

Thanks.

[Charles Kenyon]

I feel your pain.
Lots and lots of backups - including off-line backups. A Master Document has the ability to corrupt parts of the document that are not even open!

You might want to add the term Master Document to your thread heading. Also replace "outline" with "Master Document" in your tags. Because of the bugs in this "feature" few experienced Word users have much experience using it. Generally one "experience" is enough.

You might want to get a copy of Microsoft Word 2010 Bible and show Herb Tyson's remark to your superiors. It is colorful and gets the point across. I don't know of anyone who ever tried using Master Documents that was working on something he/she could afford to lose.

[Charles Kenyon]

A couple of thoughts that might make your journey last longer before the crash:

Every document (Master and sub) should be based on a single template that has your styles. All formatting should be done using those styles.

Numbering must be linked to styles as described in How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Word 2007 and Word 2010. Using numbering on the ribbon buttons will result in scrambling in a large document.

Do not edit subdocuments from the Master Document interface. Use it only for printing. Do not save any editing of subdocuments at the Master Document level.

Read http://techwhirl.com/wp-content/uplo...masterdocs.pdf. It will give you the best chance of survival.