Word has seven default numbered lists, such as 1, 2, 3 and A, B, C. You can customize many aspects of the default numbers. Word allows you to change the font, the number positions, or the position of the text that follows the numbers. You can change the style of the number so that your list uses First, Second, Third or One, Two, Three. You can even type customized text before or after the number.
For Interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions we recommend using field codes instead of automatic numbering.
Customize a Numbered List
From the Format menu, choose Bullets and Numbering.
- Select the Numbered tab.
- Select one of the seven default number styles and then click Customize. The Customize Numbered List dialog box appears.
- Type any text before or after the number in the Number Format box. You can also change or delete the character (period or parenthesis) that follows the number, or add a new character in front of the number.
CAUTION If you accidentally delete the number that appears in the Number Format Box, do not type a number in the box. Instead, select an option in the Number Style box. The number that appears in the Number Format box is a field. The field increments with each new line. If you manually type a number in this box, you get that number on each new line.
- Click Font to choose bold, underline, or any other font formatting. Changing the font of the number results in numbers that Word formats differently from the text.
- Select an option in the Number Style box.
- Change the number in the Start At box if you want the list to start at a different number.
- Change the position of the number by choosing Left, Center, or Right in the Number Position box and adjusting the Aligned At measurement. This action adjusts the first-line and left indent.
(This is the biggest complaint I hear from legal secretaries—that they cannot get automatic numbering schemes to indent—now you know how!)
- Click OK until all open dialog boxes are closed.
- Start typing the numbered list. Press Enter twice to finish the list.
Carol Bratt has authored several informative Microsoft Office books and writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks in each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Click here to see her latest books!