How can I set-up automatic numbering in a MS Word table?

[WPS]

For a 4 column table, with the numbering, preferably, going down rather than
accross...

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Unless you define a specific numbered style for each column, each style
linked to a different list template (can be done only through the Outline
Numbered tab of the Bullets and Numbering dialog), you're going to have to
settle for semi-automatic numbering, using SEQ fields, a different sequence
for each column.

 

[WPS]

thank you - I am not that well versed... this is what I am trying to do:

BMC 06401 BMC 06402 BMC 06403
BMC 06404 BMC 06405

etc. in a word table - does this make sense and can you perhaps explain
further? Thanks

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You're showing your numbering running across. Is that what you want? Do you
want the numbering to go down the first column and then continue in the
second column? That's going to be much harder.

 

[WPS]

I would prefer it to run down each column and then start again at the top of
the next column, but, truth be told, I'll go with anything I can get/do at
this point... thanks for the help!

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You're really not going to be able to do this at all easily with table
columns. Can you use newspaper-style columns instead?

 

[WPS]

Yes, I think I can. Can you tell me how to do this?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

If you can use newspaper-style columns, then all you need to do is apply the
numbering to the paragraph style. If all the numbers will be begin with BMC
064, then you can type that in as plain text.

1. The best way to approach this is to assign a specific style to the
paragraphs to be numbered. If you're not already using it, start with List
Number. Apply it to one of your paragraphs.

2. With the insertion point in a List Number paragraph, go to the Modify
Style dialog (see http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/styles/ModifyAStyle.html
if you don't know how to do that), click Format, and choose Numbering...

3. In the Bullets and Numbering dialog, you will see a gallery of choices;
the one that is selected will say List Number. Leave that selected and click
Customize...

4. In the Customize Numbered List dialog, you will see a box labeled "Number
format." It will contain a 1 followed by a period. The 1 is in a gray box;
this indicates that it is a field, and that is the part of the number that
will change.

5. You'll probably want to delete the period after the 1. Before the 1, type
BMC 064.

6. In the "Number style" box, select 01, 02, 03... (the last selection;
you'll have to scroll down to see it). This will take care of your numbering
provided it doesn't exceed BMC 06499.

7. Click OK three times to close the dialogs.

8. Apply the List Number style to the paragraphs you want numbered this way.

 

[WPS]

Thanks so much for all of your help - I'll give it a try!