Heading styles based on normal in Numbering

[GregBausman]

I've been told not to base your Heading styles or any newly created style on
the normal style in Word XP because it will mess up your outline numbering. I
was even told, although I didn't see it, that this is a known issue listed on
Microsoft.com. Is this valid advice?
Thanks,
Greg

 

[Margaret Aldis]

Basing on Normal style won't mess up numbering - unless at some point you
decided to number the Normal style. There are lots of other ways to mess up
numbering, however - see
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/OutlineNumbering.html for
foolproof instructions.

If you use a single font in your documents, basing everything ultimately on
Normal can be useful as it allows you to change the font of all styles just
by changing Normal. Conversely, if you use a different font for headings you
may find it convenient to use a separate base style for that - you can also
set this style to 'keep with next' and any other characteristics shared by
all headings.

For more information about 'based on' styles see

http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/styles/HowStylesCascade.html