specialized number list in W2007

[cayce]

I am stumped at how to create a new list style in Word 2007 that shows a
number followed by a lower case letter. Then if the list needs to identify
multiple items within a given number, it would look like this:
1a= only one item in number 1
2a= only one item in number 2
3a= first of three items in number 3
3b=second of three items in number 3
3c=third of three items in number 3
4a=first of two items in number 4
4b=second of two items in number 4

I want to get this to automatically number up or down as items are added to
the list. So, if I later need to delete item 3b, item 3c below it will
automatically deincrement to become 3b and move up.

When I go to Home> Multilevel list, there is no sample like this in the
gallery I can pick from before building the list. When I choose Define New
List Style, there is no way I can see in the Modify multilevel list dialog
box where I can define this number scheme. There is nothing like it in the
"Number style for this level" box. I can choose "1" or "a" but not both
together.

How can I get to where I need to be?

 

[Stefan Blom]

You could set up a list style with 1, 2, 3, ... for level 1 and a, b, c, ...
for level 2, apply the list style to text and then insert a LISTNUM field to
add a letter after a number. For example:

1 { LISTNUM \l 2 }

2 { LISTNUM \l 2 }

with would display as:

1 a

2 a

To insert a LISTNUM field you can use Insert tab | Quick Parts | Field. Be
sure to specify the desired numbering level, but do *not* choose one of the
built-in list names. When you are done, click OK.

To change the level of an existing field (if necessary), you can right-click
it and choose to Increase Indent (or Decrease Indent) from the context menu.

To show/hide field codes in the document, press Alt+F9.

Alternatively, you can use a pair of SEQ fields, which might be an easier
approach (but note that SEQ fields only update semi-automatically, for
example, when you Print Preview the document). See Word Help.

 

[cayce]

Stefan:

I apologize that I was not clearer. I need to have this list be easily
applied by users. I would not be able to get them to add fields. I’ve been
trying different things since I first posted. Would the following scenario
work RELIABLY?

Create a new list style, defining level 1 as 1,2,3 and the level 2 as a,b,c.
(level 2 is defined to include level 1's number). Then, instruct the user to
apply this list from the Multilevel list gallery to their paragraphs, using
tab to demote to the 2nd level when needed? Would it make any difference if
this takes place in a multicolumn table.
Columns 1, 2 and 3 would potentially look like this:

1. 1.a 1.a
1.b 1.b
1.c
2. 2.a 2.a
2.b 2.b
2.c
3. 3.a 3.a
3.b 3.b
3.c
I am developing a template for this group and want to make their process
simple and consistent.

I hope you can steer me in the right direction.
Thank you for guidance so far.

 

[Stefan Blom]

It should work (assuming that you want to use tables that much). Also, note
that you will have to insert new rows from time to time, since Word doesn't
like it if you have a large table with few rows.

 

[cayce]

Ya' kinda lost me on the "Word doesn't like it if you have a large table with
few rows." Please elaborate. Do you mean "large table" because the cells
contain a lot of content in those few rows?

Would it be more reliable to just use a new style with preset tabs to create
a column look? I could add a border to the style to get the gridding I need.

As I mentioned, my goal is to give users as troublefree a template as
possible.

Thanks for furthering my education!

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Some people create a single-row table (in order to have parallel columns)
and let it go on for pages and pages. Whenever a table row extends beyond a
page, there will likely be problems. This is especially noticeable if you
have footnotes because Word defers the footnotes to the page where the row
ends. If there are by that time too many footnotes to fit on the page with
what's left of that row, those footnotes just disappear, which can be quite
puzzling.

This is why it's advisable to start a new row from time to time (at least
once per page).

 

[cayce]

Suzanne..thanks for the info. It looks like I should be good using a tables
for the multilevel list. In our case, tables rows are not allowed to break
across pages and they may never get to more than two pages long in total. We
do not use footnotes either.

I appreciate your comments.

Namaste