Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Word 2002 Driving Me MAD!

Aug 30, 2005 2:25AM PDT

Can anyone give me a step by step procedure to consistently format Bullets and Numbering?

I used a simple (Default) format choosing the first numbered list (next to ''NONE'') and the ''a.'' format under the numbered list in one document. Worked perfect!

I have at least 100 documents I want formatted the same way. My next document has been a nightmare! The numbered list will work for a few lines, then all of a sudden it totally changes and no way to ''reset''. The ''a.'' doesn't indent enough or too much and doesn't line up with the previous ''a.'' list.

I have tried Creating a ''Style'' but I can never find that ''Style'' again anywhere in the drop down list on the ''Styles & Formatting'' pane.

I have used the ''Clear Formatting'' option and that resets everything to ''Normal'' which is where I want to start to apply the simple default Bullets and Numbering.

After choosing the formatting option, it appears in the ''Styles & Formatting'' pane under ''formatting in use''. I click on that when I want to format the next number/letter and that works---for awhile, then all of a sudden it takes on a life of its own and does what it damn well pleases!

I can't believe as big as Microsoft is they came up with a program that is obviously totally flawed.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

B J Gray

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Typesetting with Word?
Aug 30, 2005 3:28AM PDT

It's a common mistake. Word is a Word Processor and is only a fair typesetter. Looks to me you chose the wrong application.

But most of us will muddle along with it. What I see as an issue is you want those bulleted items to use the same RULER or spacing rules. But that is too easy to change and many don't realise that changes to the ruler will then affect the next bulleted list.

Can I ask how long you've been using Word?

And have you used any type setting programs?

Cheers,

Bob

- Collapse -
Typesetting with Word?
Aug 30, 2005 3:57AM PDT

I have used Word for over 10 years. No, I have not used any typesetting programs. Any suggestions?

- Collapse -
Try keeping the ruler the same for each bullet list.
Aug 30, 2005 4:15AM PDT

I'm unsure if PageMaker is still around, but a typesetter is over at www.freeserifsoftware.com if you want to try it.

Word hasn't changed in respect to rulers and the bulleted lists in over 10 years so I think we are talking about a simple ruler and paragraph format issue.

Bob

- Collapse -
May Assist
Aug 30, 2005 9:04AM PDT

I am not sure if you have tried the below?

[1]
First I would suggest you make a copy of the troublesome document

[2]
Eliminate all your entered Bullets/Numbers by using your ''Back Space'' key [on keyboard] to have your document showing one block of continual text [No Bullets/Numbers showing and with no white page showing between any of the text]

[3]
Insert your curser [mouse] for the start position of your first ''Bullets/Number''

[4]
Click on the Number or Bullet Icon on the ToolBar to start the process.

[5]
At this point to change the format to an ''a.'' , right click = from the drop down menu = ''Bullets and Number'' = Customise'' = and select the format you require

[6]
To change the layout of ''Indents'' = First you select all the document = Look on the ''Ruler'' and move the ''Tabs'' of ''First Line Indent'' and ''left Indent to your requirements

[7]
Travel through your text and locate next indent position = click in your mouse curser = press your = ''Enter'' = Key and then repeat same through your document

[Cool
If you require to indent a paragraph to show ''Sub Headings'' you just click just after the required number/bullet and use = shift+alt+right arrow

[9]
To glamorise the document further to show an addition line space between each paragraph = insert your mouse curser at the end of each paragraph = press ''Enter'' key and then use ''Backspace'' key to remove this number or bullet

- Collapse -
Word 2002 Driving Me MAD!
Aug 31, 2005 8:02AM PDT

Thanks to all of you for your help. I found out if I change the tab settings, things line up OK. Take a little bit of time, but at least I have the format I want.

I really appreciate your suggestions and comments. I love C-NET.

Warmest regards,

B J Gray