I am having a problem with the numbering (at fourth level of a multi-level list) of headings in the attached document. I could not find a way to solve it. Here is what I currently have:

2. Section 2 title
2.1. Section 2.1 title
2.1.1 Section 2.1.1 title
4.1.1.1. Section 2.1.1.1 title
4.1.1.2. Section 2.1.1.2 title
2.1.2 Section 2.1.2 title

Any ideas?

I would like to understand how to solve this, not to just get a fix.

Thanks in advance

Attached Files

OutlineProblem.docx (39.3 KB, 8 views)

See How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly

Read through it and try it. If you have questions after having done that, please come back and tell us what is not working for you.

Thank you for point me to this information.

I did not define a new list, but this helped me find where to straighten out the existing multi-level list. I selected the list and clicked Define New Multilevel List. Then I clicked on the level with the problem and created its format from scratch.

The steps are basically the same, no matter if you are creating a new list or customizing and old one. Confusingly, Word has the same command "Define New Multilevel List" in both cases.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

You should start with the highest level and move through the entire list. Doing only the third or fourth level will cause problems. You end up with multiple list templates in your document that way.

Yes, very confusing!

Yes, good point. Always click in the first level 1 paragraph of the list you are modifying. For headings this means the first Heading 1 paragraph in the document. Then click Home tab | Multilevel List | Define New Multilevel List.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional