Multi-level numbering doesn't recognize a level increment

Question

I'm having the same problem that was asked in this question: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/problem-with-multilevel-numbering-at-level-2/86f3b546-ed44-4e70-bd1b-eb260a0e779c. I have a Multi-level list, but all the level 2 numbers begin with 1 regardless of the level 1 number.

However, the solution provided for the linked question isn't working for me. I selected the first header and defined a new multi-level list:

I'm using a Mac and Ctrl+Q doesn't work for resetting paragraph-level formatting, so following the instructions here https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/reset-paragraph/974d9ce6-b66e-4139-959e-dbc3916c6769, I created a keyboard shortcut, Command+Ctrl+P, to ResetPara.

However, when I select "1.3 Should be Header 2.1," which is formatted as Heading 2, and press Command+Ctrl+P, nothing happens.

This is what I see if I have that paragraph selected and choose Define new multi-level list:

What am I missing? It doesn't seem to recognize that the Level 1 count has incremented to 2.

Answer 1

If you send me a copy of the document, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

Answer 2

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.

Here are videos on this method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He_ob8ydc9E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbyTcWo52G4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GevZOS-nCuw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niD6VXPvAyU

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. This is the best method of using reliable multi-level numbering in Word. The alternative is using SEQ fields, which is very stable but is a pain to use.

Answer 3

The document to which you gave the link was definitely not created by using numbering as defined in your screen shot\

While the appearance of the dailog is different on a Mac, to all intents and purposes, the functionality is the same.

Are you sure that the number 1 that I have highlighted in yellow appears there as a result of the "Include level number from: Level 1" and that it was not typed into that position.

However, for the numbering scheme that is in use, you could simply check the box for "Legal style numbering"

And, of course the numbering for level 2 should be set to "Start at: 1"

Answer 4

The second (and subsequent) numbering levels are NOT linked to the relevant Heading Styles and that level is incorrectly set to start numbering at 4

When those defects are rectified, the numbering appears properly

Answer 5

Dear StuJanis,

Greetings! Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

As per your description, you have a multi-level list in Word, but all the level 2 numbers begin with 1 regardless of the level 1 number. We appreciate you share with us the troubleshooting steps you tried.

We'd like to help you, please let us cooperate, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

To better help you, if it's convenient, could you share a sample document which can reproduce the issue? We'd like to test it from our side and help you do troubleshooting.

You may upload the file to OneDrive and then share a sharing link here.

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Thanks for your cooperation! Hope you keep safe and healthy always.

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator