I don’t know how to set the outline selection 1 (a) i A as the default numbering. I’ve tried several ways including following the directions from the anwer given to a somewhat related question from another questioner. I now know how to create a template in My Templates and how to set that Template as the default. But when I have applied the 1 (a) i A outline numbered selection to the default template I’m trying to create it only applies to the list at the beginning of the document. If I go to another part of the document and set up a new list it reverts to the 1 1 1 1 outline, which I find useless.
I use the 1 (a) i A format about 99% of the time and it is tedious to have to follow the steps of selecting that outline selection every time. Would it be possible for someone to add a button “set as default” at the bottom of the Bullets & Numbering dialogue window? Before that happens, could someone explain how I can set the 1 (a) i A outline selection as the default numbering for every new document I use with the current version (6.3.5.2 downloaded May 7 2020), if this is possible? Thanks in advance!
Apparently, you are using the button in the tool bar to create your lists.
This button is the “poor man’s” tool for lists. It has a difficult task because every list so created should be considered independent from every other else. It thus revert to some built-in default every time you press on it.
The solution is to use a specific paragraph style dedicated to our lists. I suggest you customise Numbering 1 in your template, so that it is available in all your documents.
First, define the counter to associate to your lists. This a (badly named) list style. These styles are accessed with a click on the fifth icon in the style side pane (F11).
- Right-click in the list and
New - In the
Organizertab, give it Name MyListNumbers - In the
Customizetab, set the characteristics of the numbers at all levels - In the
Positiontab, optionally tune the indent at all levels - IMPORTANT: forget about all other tabs; if you click in them, they preset various parameters in the last two tabs, thus ruining your customisation
After this counter is defined, come back to the paragraph styles list (first icon)
- Right-click on Numbering 1 and
Modify - Go to
Outline & Numberingtab - From the Numbering style, select
MyListNumbers
Now, the Numbering 1 style will automatically format a numbered list item, without the need you push the button in the tool bar.
When you start a list, select this style from the side style pane or from the drop-down menu (once it has already been used once).
To start a second list (numbered from 1 instead of continuing the previous list), right-click in the new first item and Restart Numbering.
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This answer assumed you used word “outline” in the common sense. Technically, in Writer “outline” addresses chapter numbering. If I answered incorrectly, add a comment and I’ll change my answer.
I used “outline” in the sense used under the “Outline” tab in the Bullets and Numbering lists in Writer.
Thanks for the help - but I’ve tried following your steps and ran into 2 problems. One I resolved easily - “Options” doesn’t exist in step 3 under “List Styles” in my version (the latest v of Writer) - but “customize” and seems to be the same.
More importantly, I thought I had followed all your steps correctly but the 2nd last step, “when I start a list…” I have no idea how to “select this style from the side style pane or from the drop down menu”. It doesn’t show up in either place that I can see. So I don’t know how to access the new style I created.
I’ll try again later to see if I missed something. I made sure to “apply” and “save” at the end.
Outline: reading you; but Bullets, Numbering, Outline & Image are extensions of the “poor man’s tools” and will play tricks on your back when you start using Position and Customize (yes, this was Options in previous versions – case of the computer used when I answered).
List styles are backstage devices, acting silently in the background. To format a list, you style the paragraph with a paragraph style, in this case Numbering 1 and not MyListNumbers. When typing text, you only play with paragraph and character styles. All others , if correctly configured, are automatically set in place as ancillary services of your actions (styling paras. or inserting objects).
The paragraph style menu in the top toolbar contains some common-use styles and those already used in text. This menu grows with the progressive formatting of your document. This is why, on first use, you must apply the style from the side pane.
I’ve tried again.
Problem 1: “After this counter is defined go back to Paragraph” - do you have to select the “apply” button first and then the “ok” button or do you have to use the “reset” button?
Problem 2: Under Paragraph Style there is no Numbering 1. There is a “List Contents” where if I press “Modify” it showed the “Outline & Numbering” tab among others. In that tab I selected “My Outline #ing List” which is the style name I chose. Does it matter that there are spaces between the words?
Problem 3: Then I selected “apply” and “ok”. Is this required?
Problem 4: When starting a list, I went to the F11 style side panel and there was no “My Outline #ing List” option.
Any suggestions?
-
OKrecords the definition,Resetwill rease all your customising -
In the drop-down top bar menu? Yes because not used yet. The
F11side-pane has them all unless you selectedApplied Stylesat the bottom of the list. I don’t know whatList Contentsis intended for. We can assume it is a non-specialised style. Go ahead Spaces do not matter in style names, nor non alphabetic chars. -
OKrecords your settings.Applyis used to see the effect on the current paragraph without leaving the dialogue. -
Check the drop-down menu at bottom of list. If it says
Applied Stylesyou’ll see only the presently applied styles.
For your future reference: regarding “After this counter is defined, come back to the paragraph styles list (first icon) Right-click on Numbering 1 …” did not work because Numbering 1 does not appear as a choice. I found Numbering 1 this way: I expanded Text Body and then List. Numbering 1 appeared under List. NOTE: When using a new document I noted that Numbering 1 does appear under Paragraph Styles (F11). The Paragraph Styles changes after taking all the other recommended steps.
THESE STEPS ARE FROM ajillotz, with modifications needed for it to work for Brian Gifford in bold italics.
The solution is to use a specific paragraph style dedicated to our lists. I suggest you customise Numbering 1 in your template, so that it is available in all your documents.
First, define the list you want to use. This a (badly named) list style. These styles are accessed with a click on the fifth icon at the top of the style side pane (F11).
Right-click in the list and select New
In the Organizer tab, give it a Name such as “MyListNumbers”.
In the Customize tab, set the characteristics of the numbers at all levels
In the Position tab, optionally tune the indent at all levels
IMPORTANT: forget about all other tabs; if you click in them, they preset various parameters in the last two tabs, thus ruining your customisation
After your custom list is defined, come back to the Paragraph Styles list (first icon at top of style side panel)
Find Numbering 1 OR if Numbering 1 does not appear, expand “Text Body” and then “List” and it will appear there. Right click on Numbering 1 and Modify.
Go to Outline & Numbering tab
From the Numbering style, select MyListNumbers (or whatever name you used for your custom list)
Now, the Numbering 1 style will automatically format a numbered list using your custom list style.
Save the blank document you were using when you went through all these steps as your new default template by going to FILE drop down menu -Template-Save As Template-select Set as default template at bottom of window
When you start a list, select this style from the side style pane or from the drop-down menu (once it has already been used once).
To start a second list (numbered from 1 instead of continuing the previous list), right-click in the new first item and Restart Numbering. OR if restart numbering is not offered as a choice, select continue numbering THEN right-click again and re-start numbering should be offered.