Space between Number Position and Text Indent in Lists

[Paul Gauci]

In Word 2007 Lists, the space between Number Position and Text Indents seems
to be fixed at a minimum of 0.25 inches.

I have been trying to set this space at 0.15 inches (which I find more
elegant) but everytime that I re-start a file or use the 'Restart at 1'
command the space reverts to 0.25 inches.

I do save the template every time I edit the corresponding style.

Is there any way in which I can set this space at 0.15 inches (or any
dimension other than 0.25 inches) once and for all?

Thanks

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Which style are you modifying, and do you select the radio button for "All
documents based on this template"?

 

[Paul Gauci]

I create styles which are based on the existing List Number and List Bullet
styles.

Yes I do select the 'All documents based on this template' when I
create/edit my styles.

--
Paul Gauci

Which style are you modifying, and do you select the radio button for "All
documents based on this template"?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

There really isn't any way to access these settings for a style unless
you're using a multilevel list (and even then you can't access the settings
directly from Modify Style | Format | Numbering). It may well be that using
Adjust List Indents for a style doesn't "take." Part of the problem is that
(AIUI) the List Paragraph style can affect the formatting of
numbered/bulleted styles. I'm not sure how all this works together, but
perhaps Stefan Blom will come in and straighten us both out!

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

I create styles which are based on the existing List Number and List Bullet
styles.

Yes I do select the 'All documents based on this template' when I
create/edit my styles.

 

[Paul Gauci]

You are correct, the Adjust List Indents is not effective. I have also tried
to use Format Paragraph and Format Tabs commands together in order to 'force'
the space between the space between Number Position and Text Indents to
'stick' to the .15 inches which I think is aesthetically much better looking
than the .25 inches 'preferred' by Word 2007.

Basically, I end up re-doing all the list styles every time I start working
on a file. This is not helpful when I design a template to be used by others
who may not have the temperament to make such adjustments.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

But you can create a custom list linked to specific styles and save it in a
template.

 

[Paul Gauci]

This is exactly my problem. The custom templates that I create 'refuse' to
'retain' the list styles as I would have originally designed them.

Whenever I start a file I discover that the list styles in their custom
templates go back to the default 0.25 inch space between Number Position and
Text Indent instead of 'sticking' to the 0.15 inches that I would originally
have set.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Instead of using list styles, you can link the levels to specific heading or
List Number styles.

 

[Paul Gauci]

I am not sure whether I understood your advice. How would I link the levels
as you indicate please?

Thanks

Paul

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

In the Define New Multilevel List dialog, if you click More, you will see
that you can link each level to a specific style and set the specific
indents for that level/style. You would most commonly be using the Heading,
List Number, or List Bullet series of styles.

There's some discussion this in
http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/WordFAQs/NumberAlignment2007.htm

 

[Paul Gauci]

Thanks a lot.

I have tried the procedure that you suggested and iy has worked.

Best regards

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Glad you got it working!