line numbers and formatting issues using Mac

Question

I inserted line numbers, but when I click on them at the side of the page, the bulletpoint icon is highlighted, and line numbering is none.

There is also a spinning wheel all the time on the document.

When I try adding new words to the document, the formatting changes, and I cannot get it back.

I have tried using online Word, and saving with an older version of the document, and nothing works.

Answer 1

HI Hannah,

I am not expert enough with line numbers and bullet points to conclusively answer your question, but I can tell you with confidence that Sola's advice is not good.

There is a difference between line numbers, bullet points and numbered bullet points. When you turn line numbers on, you will see line numbers in the left margin. When making bullet points you can choose either bullets or numbers which are usually formatted to be within the body, often indented.

Sola assumed you were talking about bullets and numbers, but there is a feature called line number which you referred to. If you can clarify which numbering feature is involved, that would be helpful in helping you resolve this.

Answer 2

Word activates the bullets or numbering icon on the Home tab even if you selected a multilevel list format. I think this is part of your question. It is Word working as designed.

The screen shot below is from Word for Windows, but I suspect that Word for Mac is the same in this regard.

Answer 3

Hi Jim,

Its numbered bullet points. I have tried everything and the formatting of the text changes and footnotes.

Best wishes,

Hannah.