Forum Discussion
Using Styles, specifically Normal (default)
Styles have never been necessary before and I am only now trying to get my head around them. I get the principle and am starting to use them sparingly, but I have run into problems.
On creating a new document, I understand the default style is "Normal" (and paragraph). I can then go on to add styles to headings etc and, on modifying they update (usually - more anon). However, when I try to modify the basic style there is no change. What am I doing wrong?
I also find that any modifications I make work only for that document. If I save the document as a copy to another name (which I do at the end of every work session for security) the headings revert to the previous (unmodified) settings on that copy, BUT on checking the style the modifications already made are there, and only come into force when I click on each and every instance where that particular style has been used.
I'm clearly doing something wrong, or have misunderstood the instructions but, as it is, styles would seem to be of limited benefit.
Any help would be welcome.
Jim_Bond When modifying a style, if you want the modifications to apply to other, new documents, you need to check the box for "New documents based on this template" before clicking on OK to dismiss the Modify Style dialog.
If you do not do that, if the document was saved after you modified the style, the modifications should appear in a copy of the document, unless in the Templates and Add-ins dialog you have a check mark in the box for "Automatically update document styles"
That box should NOT be checked.
Jim_Bond Styles have been a feature of Word since the very first version for DOS in 1983
To get an understanding of their use, see the following page of the late Shauna Kelly's website
- Thank you.
Modyfying what is effectively a default style would seem to go against the recognised instructions, likewise when trying to mantain a style after a document has been copied. If anyone could shed any light on that I would be grateful.Jim_Bond When modifying a style, if you want the modifications to apply to other, new documents, you need to check the box for "New documents based on this template" before clicking on OK to dismiss the Modify Style dialog.
If you do not do that, if the document was saved after you modified the style, the modifications should appear in a copy of the document, unless in the Templates and Add-ins dialog you have a check mark in the box for "Automatically update document styles"
That box should NOT be checked.
