Hello All,



Let me try my luck this time here.

I have huge document and I have to update and maintain the document. I would be greatful to get following help:
1. I have my own numbering scheme for this and each time i update the TOC, my numbering system goes bad. Is there a way to fix this please. I have mapped the headings to the TOC tables but i am forced to do this every time and word is not remembering it.
2. I want my template settings to be safe, when someone opens it so that my template settings are not tampered with.
3. Can I have my headings automatically adjust to the lines above exactly one empty line after the previous paragragh?

Thanks in Advance
P

i changed the word "headers" in your post to "headings." I hope I was correct in doing this. These words mean very different things in Word jargon.

See the following:

• How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly
• How to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word by Shauna Kelly
• Templates in Microsoft Word
• Why use Microsoft Word’s built-in heading styles? by Shauna Kelly

Item 2 on your list. The usual use of a template is to double-click on it or select it to create a new document based on the template. You can make the template read-only if you need more protection. Templates should not be opened and then saved using SaveAs to create a new document.


Item 3 I don't understand. You can add space-before formatting to any paragraph style. Is this what you mean?

Thank you Charles. I have seen some of the links you sent me. But my problem is
The headings are custom made and different to in built Heading, The moment, I update the toc, the toc is gone... and I notice that my settings mapping TOC levels are reset and I have to set it again every time.

3. I meant, how to format the headers so that it always automatically adjusts to one line below the last paragraph.

Regards
P

This is because the Heading style format for your "custom made" numbering system has not been created correctly. Charles provided some very informative links that will help you...if you will take the time to read and apply them.

If you are using other headings than the built-in ones, you have to specify which styles you are using in the Table of Contents dialog box as you create the TOC. Click Insert | Reference | Index and Tables. On the Table of Contents tab, specify the TOC level for each of your custom styles and then click OK.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

Add some Spacing Before to your heading style. See http://shaunakelly.com/word/styles/modifyastyle.html.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

You can modify the formatting of the built-in heading styles to anything you want.

The key to having them used for numbering is to link them as described by Ms. Kelly.

The built-in headings have many advantages, such that I can't imagine not using them.

However, you can use other headings or styles in a TOC. This is described in Shauna's article on creating a Table of Contents. If you want a different approach to this you can look at:
Generating a Table of Contents - Complex Documents

And that can be handled by adding space-before formatting to the style you are using for that heading.[not header]
Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word
Sections / Headers and Footers in Microsoft Word 2007-2013

I know that I have tossed a lot of reading at you. If you truly have responsibility for maintaining a large document, doing the reading will save you time, probably as much time as you spend doing the reading within the first week.