I know there is antomatic numbering for chapters, and I could probably figure out how to do figures and tables, but my case is a bit different.
I have many "projects" in the document I am making. It is a working document now, so I could add protects in any place in the future, thus the need for automatic numbering. The thing is, each project description just exists as text for now. OK, some have images, but not all; all have text though. So how could I do automatic numbering for something like:

Project 1. Title


text description
...
Project 2 Title
text description
...
Project 3 ....

I would like to make a TOC type summary also with the Project numbers and titles.

I already have numbered headings being used, so I can't just use another level of sub-headings. These projects run on their own numbering separate from the headings (like running figures or tables).

How can I accomplish something like this so I don't have to renumber all my projects when I add one?
Thanks,
Drew

There are a number of resources that can help you, such as:

Numbered Headings
Why use Microsoft Word’s built-in heading styles? | ShaunaKelly.com
Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word

Hope these links help...

Actually I am already utilizing numbered heading for my chapters and sub chapters. The numbering of these projects need to exist separate from the numbered headings ,similar to how numbered figures or tables run. Is there something like running figure numbers that can exist for separate text blocks instead of figures? I guess one way I could do it would be to make each project a table and use running table numbers, but I would rather not force my projects into tables. Thanks

You can create a new Caption Label (i.e., named "Project") via the Reference ribbon using (of all things) the Captions section.

Hope this helps...

Thank you very much!

I have captions made for my "projects" now.
They don't renumber automatically when I move them, but they renumber when I do a "select all" followed by a "f9" (update).

Thanks again,
Drew

See also the SEQ Field.

Numbering in Microsoft Word

You can force an update of all SEQ fields by switching to Print Preview and then exit Print Preview. For example, you can use Ctrl+P (which displays the so-called Backstage/preview mode) followed by ESC (which returns to the "ordinary" view).

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional