Microsoft Word
Auto Numbering

Word's Auto Numbering can be a useful tool, though sometimes users find it annoying. Get Auto Numbering under your control! Turn it on when you want it and turn it off when you do not.

When you begin a list by typing "1." (without the quotes), pressing the space bar or tab key, and then typing some text, Word automatically converts the paragraph to a numbered list when you press ENTER to end the paragraph. The next paragraph is automatically indented begins with "2."

This is OK if you want a sequentially numbered list. But sometimes you may have a list that is not sequential. Or you may not want Word to number or format the list for some other reason.

To turn off Auto Numbering, go to the Tools menu and choose the Auto Correct option. When the Auto Correct dialog box appears, click the tab called "Auto Format As You Type".

Remove the check mark from the box labeled "Automatic Numbered Lists". (You can also remove the check from "Automatic Bulleted Lists" as well.) Click OK to close the box.

To turn Auto Numbering back on, return to the dialog box and replace the checkmark.