Microsoft Word Continuous Numbered Bullets Points

Question

When I create a numbered bullet point with multi levels from a continuous previous list, the "helper" numbers are showing on my file, but when printing the numbers are not shown (as it should be). How do I change my view to remove these "helper" numbers.

So for example if I want to have a bullet point of 2.3. Word would have "helper" points of :

1

2

2.1

2.2

2.3

This can normally be seen with the show/hide paragraph marks option but these are showing even when this option is set to hide.

Answer 1

Are you using the "Advance value (skip numbers)" option in the Set Numbering Value dialog box?

In that case, you have to hide hidden text. At File > Options > Display, ensure that "Hidden text" is cleared.

However, in almost all cases, when you want to customize your numbering, there is a better approach than to use the "Advance value..." setting.

As Charles proposed, feel free to post back with a sample document.

Answer 2

Hi Stefan

Yes I was using advance value skip numbers and your suggestion solved the issue, the hidden text option was marked.

Thank you for the help!

What is the better option to follow rather than advance value?

I'm glad I could help.

In most cases, I would recommend that you set up a multilevel list and control the restarts by letting higher levels restart lower ones. The basic idea of multilevel lists in Word is discussed in the article at https://shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/numbering20072010.html. The article uses the built-in headings as examples, but you can use any set of nine paragraph styles of course.

You can even set up the top level (level 1) so that it doesn't apply any numbering to text; in other words, you can use that level for restart purposes, only.

Answer 3

Could you please supply a sample document with the problem?

Why a sample file is important for troubleshooting

- - - - - - - and how to do it.

Answer 4

Hi Zee

I am using microsoft 365 version 2204.

The problem is not the printing. The printing is correct, it is when I am working in the file it is showing the bullet points that I don't need.

Print preview below (correct how it should be):

View while I am working in the file (helper bullet points are showing):

As you can see above when I am working in the file it has the additional unneeded bullet points which I don't want to see.

Answer 5

Dear Jared_015,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Based on the description, when you create a number bullet point with levels it is not showing when printing. Before moving forward, we need more detailed information about the situation you are experiencing.

Could you please let us know the version of your Word application.

Is it also not showing in print preview?

Could you please help to check if the settings below is the same with yours?

If the scenario above is not consistent with yours, you can also post back and point that. And we will try our best to help you.

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation. Stay safe and healthy always.

Sincerely,

Zee | Microsoft Community Moderator

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