Prevent header from using StyleRef x when x is not present in current section

[Firebody]

Let us assume I have two sections, one that uses Style (Headings) 1, 2, and 3, the next section only uses Style 1 and 2.

If I have the same header for both sections and that header references to these style like:

Section 1:
1.1 ; 1.2 ; 1.3
StyleRef 1; StyleRef 2; StyleRef 3

Section 2:


2.1 ; 2.2
StyleRef 1; StyleRef 2; StyleRef 3

Can I automatically prevent word from displaying the StyleRef 3 reference in Section 2, since Style 3 is not present in Section 2?
Because right now it will reference Style 3 from Section 1 in the header of Section 2, so the header looks like: 2.1 ; 2.2 ; 1.3


Best, Stevie

[Charles Kenyon]

The only way is to give the style to a blank paragraph on the page or on a preceding page. See Useful StyleRef tricks by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP.

[Firebody]

Not really an option, thanks though.

[Charles Kenyon]

If this is what you want to do, it is an option. Did you read the page linked, especially the part on suppressing a StyleRef field?

[Firebody]

Well, yes, and it is not an option.

I would need something that is adjustable by people with a more limited understanding of what word is capable of. If I start hiding paragraphs or double assigning styles to a single line, others will most likely not be able change that in case they want to.

I adjusted my headers to:

Section 1:
1.1 ; 1.2 ; 1.3
StyleRef 1; StyleRef 2; StyleRef 3

Section 2:
2.1 ; 2.2
StyleRef 1; StyleRef 2

If there ever is a 2.3 Style, it will still work.

[Charles Kenyon]

What you need is better training for your staff if you are going to use this feature. All I or anyone here can do is tell you how to use the existing program.


You can use the Feedback mechanism in Word to tell developers that you would like a change.

[Firebody]

My "staff" is my boss.
He is clearly not dumb but he would like to get a word document he can easily adjust without wondering if there are hidden paragraphs he has to take into consideration.

[Charles Kenyon]

This is just one of those things that he is going to need to learn if he wants those style ref fields. This could be a step that is done when finishing the document.

[Firebody]

Problem A: If I offer them having a header but having to learn how to work with it or removing the header, they will most likely chose the latter.
Problem B: The document will never be finished. There will merely be a time when my part is done and I will transfer it to them.

I found my solution by not including this StyleRef in the header. I consider this problem

-Solved