Individual Spacing in Lists linked to the Layer/Level

[atticus]

Hi there,
at least I’m trying almost the same as in this post, but the Solution there does not work.

Short: I’m trying to be able to create lists with the modification of individual spacing for different Layers/Levels. (Aim is that it is visual that the first entry of a new layer (layer 2 in the picture) belongs to the last entry of the higher layer (second entry of layer 1) and to to increase spacing to the next entry (third entry of layer 1 in the picture) of the next higher layer see picture below)

BUT: I want also be able to type normal Text with if possible the same Paragraph Style (if I edit the default style as suggested in the post above I won’t be able to type normal text with this style)

PS.: perfect would be if the modified Version of the List is created with the same shortcut as usual (shift+F12)

EDIT: So the Goal would be to have a Paragraph Style for Normal unnumbered Text. If starting numbering (perfect would be by using shift+F12) a List would be created with the Modifications of an Increased Spacing after the Last Item of an Layer/Level.

EDIT: Sample File: test-for-ask-libreoffice.odt

(edit: activated screenshot)

[ajlittoz]

What do you mean by I want to be able to type normal text? Do you mean unumbered paragraphs with same formatting as the current level?

To answer my question, edit your post, do not use an answer.

[ajlittoz]

Though headings and lists share the same formatting engine, there is a fundamental difference.

In headings, level formatting in individualised with Heading n, one per level. You can then customise everything and make levels formatting-independent.

On the contrary, all levels of a list share the same paragraph style, meaning space above/below will be the same.

To circumvent this limitation, LO offers 4 paragraph styles intended to be logically associated with a list: List n, List n Start, List n End and List n Cont. You will use – Start for the first item of the list or the next level (e.g. in numbered list for 2.1. following 2.), similarly – End for the last item of the list or level (e.g. for 2.7. before 3.), plain List n for middle items. – Cont. is used for unnumbered paragraphs within a point (allowing for several paragraphs in the same point).

As mentioned in the referenced question, you need first to associate the styles with a numbering style, called a list style in LO parlance. Assign the same to all four styles otherwise it will not work.

Once you have configured the styles (associating a numbering style and customising the settings, among which space above/below), the procedure will be to style the first item in a level with List 1 Start, the subsequent ones with List 1 and the last one with List 1 End.

This can somewhat be automated for initial typing by setting Next Style to List 1 in List 1 Start Organizer tab.

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EDIT after analysing attached sample file

You nearly made it.

Modify List 1 End space below setting to, say, 0.5cm. Then give this style to every paragraph which is the last in a level (e.g. “Level 2.2” in your sample document).

Do the same for List 1 Start if you want a different spacing at start of (sub)list.

I know, this is a manual step which can’t be automated, because only you know which item is the last in a series.

By the way, it is pointless to set outline level in Outline & Numbering tab. Restore it to Body text unless you also want your list to appear in the TOC. This outline level is a dirty trick allowing to have several different styles for the heading, though collected in a (the) single TOC.

[atticus]

So I don’t get how to make it right. (Sorry)
What I’ve done so far:
Create a file as it is by Default. Styles and Formatting → List Styles → List 1 → Modify as Seen in the Pictures Same with List 1 Cont. List 1 End and List 1 Start. (Style List 2 … not reconfigured).

Pictures:

Style List 1: https://postimg.cc/gallery/1mkgi80lq/

Style Default: https://postimg.cc/gallery/29xnjvv2m/

List 1 Style: https://postimg.cc/gallery/147fqbaxa/

Result: https://postimg.cc/image/9ujdpqwhp/

[ajlittoz]

Can you attach a sample file to your original post? I’ll have a look at your styles.

Mastering list configuration is quite difficult from start, so I’m not surprised by your failure.

[atticus]

While my research I stumbled on the method of conditional Styles/Formatting. Do you think there is a way to achieve my goal with assign each layer a different Style and activate no spacing between same styles? (didn’t managed conditional formatting so far so I don’t know)

[ajlittoz]

With conditional styles in list context, you can mimic the effect of Heading n, i.e. different style per level, but unless you dramatically need it (meaning you already master all subtleties of styles, particularly in lists), I wouldn’t recommend this feature for novice users: Doc says “Once defined, there is no way to modify a conditional style”. First try to do without. In very last resort, go for it but be prepared for surprises.

[ajlittoz]

I think you can get a nearly fully satisfactory layout with List 1 xxx family. Only after that, tune with conditional styles if really needed. But, this will need defining many many more styles, one per level in each List 1 xxx of the family.

[atticus]

Ok then a big thank you from me. For my purpose I think the effort of organize this with conditional styles is too great (even though it would be interesting to experiment with conditional styles ^^).