Dear All,


I am working with a multilevel list setup as follows:

• Level 1: Numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3)
• Level 2: Letters (e.g., a, b, c)
• Level 3: Dashes (-)
• Level 4: Dots (.)

When I apply the multilevel numbering in different sections, I want Level 1 to automatically restart from number 1 in each new section, without manually clicking "Restart Numbering." Currently, the numbering continues across sections.


Could you please guide me on how to achieve this? Your suggestions and cooperation are greatly appreciated.


Thank you!
Best regards,
Indra

Attached Files

sample.docx (56.9 KB, 3 views)

The numbering can only restart automatically if the Heading that it should follow is included in the multi-level list. So if your numbered list will always follow Heading 1 then it should be at Level 1 in your list and your other numbered styles from level 2 onwards.

Dear Italophile,


I have submitted sample file. Could you show me in sample file please? Thank you.

Regards,
Indra

This is something that you need to learn to do yourself. You can find a full step-by step guide to numbering in Word at https://shaunakelly.com/word/numberi...g20072010.html

I agree with both points, plus.

• You need a higher level to intervene to automatically restart numbering.
• You need to learn to do this yourself.
• Shauna Kelly's page is the place too start.

Here is more:


Multilevel numbering in Word is easy to mess up. It always has been.

Automatic Paragraph Numbering all starts with the Define New List Style Dialog.

You use that to create and name a list style, within that dialog, when you format numbering you go to the Define New MultiLevel List Dialog. The key is to assign a separate existing paragraph style to each level of numbering. The styles can be built-in styles- or custom styles.

If you use automatic paragraph numbering or bullets read Shauna Kelly's directions on numbering and bullets. Start with How to create numbered headings or outline numbering and her parallel page How to control bullets. For large documents you must follow these directions or you will lose your hair!
(Mac version: Outline Numbering in Word for macOS - Best Practices - Brandwares).

For styles attached to numbering or bullets this way, you also control the left indents through the Define New MultiLevel List dialog not the Ruler, the Format Paragraph nor the Modify Style dialogs. See: Numbered Lists - Number Alignment by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP.

Again, you first want the paragraph styles existing in your document without numbering.

These can be built-in styles or custom styles or a mix of the two. You can, if you want, modify their formatting later. Then you go to the Define New List Style (Not Define New MultiLevel List! You will get to that dialog in the process, though.) Shauna Kelly's page uses the built-in heading styles. This can be convenient but the process works with any existing paragraph styles including your custom styles.

This may seem a bit convoluted at first, but it really is not. Just follow the steps. Shauna Kelly's instructions use the built-in heading styles, but you can use any existing paragraph styles including your custom styles. There are, however advantages to using the built-in heading styles when you create a Table of Contents. Here are some more advantages: Why Use Word's Built-In Heading Styles? by Shauna Kelly Note, you can modify these built-in styles to look exactly the way you want.

Even if what you want is a single-level list, you want to do this if you want the most control over your list.

Videos on creating a multi-level list
https://youtu.be/niD6VXPvAyU?t=487
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EICWOeIhsR4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He_ob8ydc9E

The basic idea is that the numbering is set using the Define MultiLevel List dialog with each numbering level being attached to an existing paragraph style. Once you have this set up, you should not use the buttons for numbering in the Ribbon but rather apply the appropriate style for that level.

You can save a document with this as a template for future documents if you want so you will not need to do this every time. However, once you’ve done this a few times it becomes second nature and not that difficult.

See also this thread: Multi-Level Lists – see the answers, especially those from Suzanne Barnhill, MVP.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could try this vba code:
Multi-Level List on the Fly - vba code by Greg Maxey

Dear Italophile and Charles,


Thank you for your kind suggestion. However, it doesn't work at Level 1; it can only be done from Level 2 onward.

Regards,
Indra

First, you need to properly set up your numbering attached to styles as set forth in Shauna Kelly's article.


You need a level one, perhaps with no number. When you apply the style associated with that level one, the rest will restart by default (although you can set them to not do that).


That is, your current level 1 has to become your level 2 in the properly set up multilevel list. Then, you can use the new level 1 to trigger restarting the rest of your numbering.


I know that this is almost certainly not what you want to read. Microsoft needs the higher level to trigger restarting automatically. That is how it is.