Forum Discussion
How do I correct heading numbering?
UPDATE: I couldn't remove this post, after I discovered the issue. Thanks!
I need to update heading numbering within an old document. Custom headings were made (as pictured) but I need the heading levels 2 and 3 to include the parent heading number of each. When I attempt to update the level 2 heading for Section 2, it wants to continue with Section 1 (see pictured example). In the number format, I do not know how to tell Word to include the parent numbers? I included "1." thinking it was intelligent enough to know that was just a format designation of the parent heading, but I guess that isn't how. I realize I may be making some glaring mistakes, but just trying to get it right.
So this is a learning moment. The caveat here is that I'm not creating the heading from scratch but rather, trying to update the existing document headings. I did follow some online suggestions but none of them addressed including the parent value in this scenario.
Section 2 <Heading Level 1 text format> <-- Here I need the word "Section" to proceed the level 1 heading number
2.1 <Heading Level 2> <-- Here I need the level 2 heading to include the parent section level number
2.1.1 <Heading Level 3> <-- Here I need the level 3 heading to include level 1 and 2 numbers.
Try this:
- Use Built-In Heading Styles
Ensure Word built-in Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3. This is crucial for multilevel numbering to work properly.
- Apply Multilevel List
- Go to the Home tab.
- In the Paragraph group, click the Multilevel List icon.
- Choose “Define New Multilevel List…” at the bottom.
- Configure Each Level
In the dialog box:
- Level 1:
- Number format: Type Section before the number (e.g., Section 1)
- Link level to style: Heading 1
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
- Level 2:
- Number format: Leave as 1.1
- Include level number from: Level 1
- Link level to style: Heading 2
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
- Level 3:
- Number format: Leave as 1.1.1
- Include level numbers from: Levels 1 and 2
- Link level to style: Heading 3
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
Make sure to check “Restart list after” for each level to ensure numbering resets correctly under each parent.
- Apply Styles to Your Document
- Select each heading in your document and apply the correct style (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
- The numbering should now reflect the hierarchy: Section 2, 2.1, 2.1.1, etc.
Number your headings - Microsoft Support
8 Replies
These forums are intended to be references for other people as well. Please do not remove questions, especially once you have a good answer.
If you need more than Shauna Kelly's article, look at Automatic Numbering in Word - my 5-page pdf. It includes links to videos that may help. Start with the page linked by Doug, though. It is the gold standard reference on this subject.
Thanks, I will definintely take a look at this. I wasn't expecting anyone to respond, so thanks for your efforts.
See the article "How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in your Microsoft Word document" on the following page of the Late Shauna Kelly's website:
http://shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/numbering20072010.html?p=1768
Cool, thanks!
Try this:
- Use Built-In Heading Styles
Ensure Word built-in Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3. This is crucial for multilevel numbering to work properly.
- Apply Multilevel List
- Go to the Home tab.
- In the Paragraph group, click the Multilevel List icon.
- Choose “Define New Multilevel List…” at the bottom.
- Configure Each Level
In the dialog box:
- Level 1:
- Number format: Type Section before the number (e.g., Section 1)
- Link level to style: Heading 1
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
- Level 2:
- Number format: Leave as 1.1
- Include level number from: Level 1
- Link level to style: Heading 2
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
- Level 3:
- Number format: Leave as 1.1.1
- Include level numbers from: Levels 1 and 2
- Link level to style: Heading 3
- Number style: 1, 2, 3, ...
Make sure to check “Restart list after” for each level to ensure numbering resets correctly under each parent.
- Apply Styles to Your Document
- Select each heading in your document and apply the correct style (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
- The numbering should now reflect the hierarchy: Section 2, 2.1, 2.1.1, etc.
Number your headings - Microsoft Support
Thanks! I appreciate the detailed response. I wlll give this a shot for sure.
