I am trying to edit a Word 2010 template file's spacing between headers and their numbers. I know that in order to change it in a typical document, I would go to Home Tab -> Paragraph section -> Multilevel List -> Define New Multilevel List. However, when I try to do this in my .dot file, it doesn't seem to save the setting when I create a file with this template. Is there something special I need to do to make sure these settings are used in documents created from the template?

Chris

Before editing the list, did you remember to open the template as a document (as opposed to double-clicking the template so that Word creates a new, unnamed document)?

Once the template file is open, apply a numbered heading to text and then click Home | Multilevel List | Define New Multilevel List. In the dialog box, make the desired changes. When you are done, click dialog boxes with OK. Save and close the file.

Note that changes made in a template applies to future documents based on that template. Existing documents must be dealt with one by one.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

To define your list to be as problem-resistant as possible, use the instructions at How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly.