In an existing document for readability and referencing I added multi level numbering.



All went fine until the text length of the numbering got too large, forcing the text belonging to an item be sent right to the next tab-spot. This obviously is not the most desirable outcome.

I could "fix" the tab setting for each of the offending sections but . . .

Is there a setting which sets a (selectable) fixed distance between the numbering and the corresponding text, regardless how long the numbering might be?

Thanks in advance for steering me in the right direction.

There is not. You can set the tab for the number to be a right-justified tab so that the number moves to the left as it gets longer.
How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly

See http://wordfaqs.mvps.org/NumberAlign...#NumberedLists.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional