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How to automatically change a number format of a new document inserted into the existing document

Anonymous
2024-10-03T13:36:43+00:00

Let's say both document 1 & 2 has a list of steps numbered in the 1.1, 1.2, 1.3... format each.

Now I want to merge document 1 in doc 2 such that the numbering format of doc 1 changes to 2.1, 2.2, 2.3....

The merged doc should look something like:

DOC1

1.1

1.2

1.3

...

DOC2

2.1

2.2

2.3

....

(and if I want to merge more docs)

(Optional) DOC3

3.1

3.2

3.3

etc.

Is there a way to automatically change the numbering of the inserted docs from the 1. to the 2. format?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows

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  1. Stefan Blom 338.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-10-04T22:17:50+00:00

    The best long term solution is to set up a multilevel list so that higher numbering levels can restart lower ones. For stable solution, associate each level of the list with a unique paragraph style. See https://shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/numbering20072010.html which uses the built-in heading styles as examples. You can use any unique collection of styles for your list, though. The top level, the one that restarts the numbering, doesn't have to be numbered itself, as long as it is part of the list.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-03T15:01:01+00:00

    Dear Mench_956

    Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. I am happy to help you

    According to my testing and investigation, there is no setting in Word that can automatically change the number directly.

    You may need to automate this using VBA code or PowerAutomate, otherwise you may need to make changes to the format manually.  For you to be assisted properly, please reach out to Forums | Microsoft Power Platform Community; I am sure that our experts from that team can address your query effectively and accurately.  

    Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please do not hesitate to post your queries in Microsoft Community and we will always do our best to assist you!

    The reason I ask you to post a new thread is that in Answers forum, we have limited resources and very little knowledge about PowerAutomate and in Forums | Microsoft Power Platform Community you will get the most qualified pool of respondents, and other partners who read the forums regularly can either share their knowledge or learn from your interaction.

    In the meantime, I will keep this thread open and welcome other users to share their experiences.

    Thanks for your cooperation.

    Sincerely,

    Tin | Microsoft Community Moderator

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