Saving Caption Numbering Heading style reference

Question

Is there a way to save which heading style a caption label is referencing when a document is saved and closed or will it always revert to Heading 1?

I followed these instructions to number figures and tables in appendices, however upon re-opening the document the reference to Heading 6 is not retained.

How to number headings and figures in Appendixes in Microsoft Word | ShaunaKelly.com

Answer 1

Settings for caption labels and their numbering format are saved in the Normal template.

In other words, if you are in an environment where the Normal template is regularly deleted or replaced, you will lose the customizations that you make.

Answer 2

Does the Heading 6 title of the appendix include the A in the numbering style as static text or as part of the numbering? It is conventional to number appendixes as A, B, C, etc., which would then be part of the numbering of Heading 6, and your captions would then be Figure_Apx A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2, etc. If in fact the appendixes are numbered A-1, A-2, A-3, then the numbering you show would be the result. In either case, the Heading 6 assignment should be retained when you select this caption.

Answer 3

Dear MargaretMc_111,

Thanks for posting back and confirming the scenario with us.

When we try to insert a new Caption in the re-opened document, we can reproduce the same behavior on our side that it has reverted to linking to style Heading 1.

As per the suggestion shared by Suzanne S. Barnhill, we initiate another test by right click on Heading 6 to modify the Format as Numbering AA and select "New documents based on this template" and save as shown below:

And then the Heading 6 remains as expected when we choose to insert Caption with the label created.

Best Regards,

Rhoda

[Modified by Rhoda Zhong, 10:58 A.M.(UTC+8), 10/15/2024]

Answer 4

Hi Rhoda

I think we are on the same page regarding what my question is, however I will re-word to try and capture it correctly.

I have created a Figure_Apx caption label to which I want to link style Heading 6.

When I save and close the document however, when adding a Figure_Apx caption it has reverted to linking to style Heading 1.

Should it remain linked to Heading 6 when saved and closed or does the software not allow for that and the heading style needs to be reselected each time?

I am on Version 2409:

Hopefully this explanation is clear.

Thank you for any guidance you can provide.

Answer 5

Dear MargaretMc_11,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, it seems that you are having concern with Caption Numbering Heading style reference, need to keep the style even when the document is re-opened.

If the understanding above is right, we've done a quick test with Word version 2409, we've created a test file on local disk, change Caption Numbering to Heading 6, save the document, close and re-open it. And Heading 6 is still showing up under Caption Numbering settings as shown below:

Given this, to help you better and for the further troubleshoot, we would like to collect more detailed information you're experiencing so that we can have a further investigation:

1. Would you please share some screenshots of "however upon re-opening the document the reference to Heading 6 is not retained." and the issue encountered with us?
2. What about the other users in your organization, will they encounter a similar situation with Word?
3. Please also share your Word version by navigating to Word> File > Account and take a screenshot as shown below:

We appreciate your kind patience and understanding that sometime the initial reply may not resolve the concern immediately or there may have some misunderstanding about your scenario, but we would like to hear the updates from your side and let's figure out the further suggestions. 

If the understanding above is not consistent with yours, please feel free to post back and point that.

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. We hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely，

Rhoda | Microsoft Community Moderator