I do a LOT of reports. I like the extra space in between numbered lists (not line height, just extra space. Let's say I finish 1. and hit enter and 2. is automatically created. I type in some garbage like jskdth, and then hit enter to create 3., then go back to 2. and erase the garbage and one extra backspace to make 2. disappear, thus turning 3. into 2. with my lovely extra space.



The extra space continues (sometimes) automatically within that list going forward, but then starts over if I create a sublist, say a., b., c., etc and I have to repeat the crazy sequence.

Isn't there a way to set the extra space to default?

Tabs are also stupid. I share a screencast of my awful tab spacing on lists that NEVER stay consistent even from within the same list - it's format painter mania and I'm ready lose my mind.

Any help with defaults is appreciated.

If you are referring to vertical spacing, between list items, instead of adding a blank paragraph you should add Spacing Before (or Spacing After) to the text.

By default, numbered (and bulleted) lists make use of the List Paragraph style, which you can use to your advantage.

Do the following: In the Apply Styles pane (Ctrl+Shift+S), type in List Paragraph. Click the Modify button. In the Modify Style dialog, click Format, and then click Paragraph. Clear the "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style" option. Specify the desired distance you want between list items in the "Before" (or "After") box. Click OK.

If you want to transfer the setting to your template, select "New documents based on this template" before clicking OK in the Modify Style dialog box.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

This worked like a champ Stefan - you totally made my life easier and easily shaved off hours of wasted time! Thanks a TON!

I'm glad I could help!

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional