Chaos in Word 2003 Style Format

[Fabiola]

I have spent a year and a half trying to update and
simplify MS Word styles. (There seems to be some conflict
within Word that alters styles if copied or moved -
conventionally or through the style toolbar). For
example: a style with a numbering format loses its
numbering.

MS word is NOT style friendly, even when all styles are
discarded and newly created styles are put in their place.

So, once again, if there is an add-in off the
shelf 'style" package that actually works all the time,
Can you please let me know? If Word 2003 still has trouble
handling styles then the official launch of 2003 could
probe chaotic.

On a positive note, Word 2003 does seem to be more stable
and it does have 'corrupt' document recovery (very nice).

I look forward to find an answer.

Thanks,

 

[Charles Kenyon]

Word is based on styles. They work well and predictably once you understand
them and their limitations. While the results you are getting may seem
chaotic, I am certain they are based on how styles and numbering work. That
said, it is still complex. You need to build numbered styles as a set,
probably using vba for the best bomb-proof styles. See: How to create
numbered headings or outline numbering in your Word document
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/OutlineNumbering.html.

This is based on ...

Word's Numbering Explained
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Numbering/WordsNumberingExplained.htm

Additional information you may find useful or need is at:

How to Create a Template, Part II
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Customization/CreateATemplatePart2.htm

Legal Numbering
http://www.addbalance.com/usersguide/numbering.htm

Since styles tend to be based upon one another (if well-constructed) moving
or copying a single style can lead to unexpected results. Download the
IncludeText tutorial from http://addbalance.com/word/download.htm for
examples. When copying multiple styles using the Organizer, you need to copy
the styles three times to rebuild the links among styles. For more on just
styles, see http://addbalance.com/usersguide/styles.htm.

 

[Fabiola]

Hello Charles,

Thank you for the information provided.

We are using a macro to specify all the format that we
need to be done in all the documents.

Since I update from Office 2002 to Office 2003 the styles
and formatting are not working properly. They are not
following the specifications in the macro.

Also, I am having a message when I open word that says
that I need a new version of adobe acrobat PDFMaker. Do
you know if this is causing my problems with formatting?

Please let me know.

Thank you,

-----Original Message-----
Word is based on styles. They work well and predictably once you understand
them and their limitations. While the results you are getting may seem
chaotic, I am certain they are based on how styles and numbering work. That
said, it is still complex. You need to build numbered styles as a set,
probably using vba for the best bomb-proof styles. See: How to create
numbered headings or outline numbering in your Word document
..html.

This is based on ...

Word's Numbering Explained
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Numbering/WordsNumberingExpl ained.htm

Additional information you may find useful or need is at:

How to Create a Template, Part II
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Customization/CreateATemplat ePart2.htm

Legal Numbering
http://www.addbalance.com/usersguide/numbering.htm

Since styles tend to be based upon one another (if well- constructed) moving
or copying a single style can lead to unexpected results. Download the
IncludeText tutorial from

http://addbalance.com/word/download.htm for

 

[Charles Kenyon]

The Adobe Add-In has been rumored to cause a bunch of problems. I don't know
if yours are among them. You can use Acrobat without it but since I don't
have it, I am not sure what functions it adds to Word other than an extra
menu.

The interface changed slightly between 2002 and 2003. Without actually
seeing your code no one could tell you whether this is the source of your
problem. (Even seeing your code, I doubt that _I_ could tell you. You may
want to post the problem in the vba.beginners newsgroup and ask for help. Do
examine at least Shauna's page, first, though. Outline numbering can be a
source of major headaches.