Bullet & Text Alignment

Question

We pretty well know how to do things “we” need to do in Excel and WORD, with just a few exceptions that drive us nuts and it is a very short drive, in case you wondered.  But one of those things in WORD is trying to properly and automatically set up the Bullet parameters so that all of the numbers are properly lined up and all of the text is properly aligned. 

What happens is that we get the numbers “1” thru “9” perfectly aligned and the text is perfect aligned.  And they appear with all the numbers in line, with the numbers followed by a period, and the text then appears to be about two spaces indented and lined up from one number to the next.  Now, if it all went that well, we could go to sleep and not have to stay awake for weeks on end trying to figure this out.  For when we get to the number “10” and above, things change.

For an example, the digits should be moved one space to the left to properly align, but they line up with the numbers “1” thru “9” making the last digit and the period one space to the right too far.  But, even worse is that the text then instead of beginning at what would appear to be two spaces to the right, they are actually about six or seven spaces to the right.

Therefore, my question is:  How do you set up bullet position for all numbers, “1” thru “999,999” so that the numbers and text are properly aligned and so you don’t have to change the settings after “9”, “99”, “999” and so forth?

We pretty well know how to do things “we” need to do in Excel and WORD, with just a few exceptions that drive us nuts and it is a very short drive, in case you wondered.  But one of those things in WORD is trying to properly and automatically set up the Bullet parameters so that all of the numbers are properly lined up and all of the text is properly aligned. 

What happens is that we get the numbers “1” thru “9” perfectly aligned and the text is perfect aligned.  And they appear with all the numbers in line, with the numbers followed by a period, and the text then appears to be about two spaces indented and lined up from one number to the next.  Now, if it all went that well, we could go to sleep and not have to stay awake for weeks on end trying to figure this out.  For when we get to the number “10” and above, things change.

For an example, the digits should be moved one space to the left to properly align, but they line up with the numbers “1” thru “9” making the last digit and the period one space to the right too far.  But, even worse is that the text then instead of beginning at what would appear to be two spaces to the right, they are actually about six or seven spaces to the right.

Therefore, my question is:  How do you set up bullet position for all numbers, “1” thru “999,999” so that the numbers and text are properly aligned and so you don’t have to change the settings after “9”, “99”, “999” and so forth?  

And before anyone clarifies that my system is outdated, I know it!  I just don't know what to get for a new system - there are far too many choices so, for now, I am stuck, but I have been saying that for two years now.

Answer 1

See http://wordfaqs.mvps.org/NumberAlignment2007.htm.

In addition, you should set up a numbered style. That way, numbering will be more stable and predictable.

Answer 2

Robert, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time and effort to answer this question for us as this issue has been plaguing us for some time now.  We will give your suggestions a try and hope it works.  

Again, thanks a million!

Answer 3

Here are the steps:

1. Select the target list numbers, then click to open the drop-down attached to the Numbering button on the Home tab, in the Paragraph group.
2. Click Define New Number Format... in the drop-down menu. This will display the Define New Number Format dialog box.
3. Use the Alignment drop-down to change the Alignment from Left to Right.
4. OK out of the Define New Number Format dialog box.

Have a look at Customizing numbered lists

HTH.

Robert