Resolving List Challenges

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Word's bulleted and numbered list feature is basically simple to use once you understand the ins and outs of lists, but a few headaches occur now and then. The biggest workaround that you might find useful when you're facing list challenges is to turn off the AutoFormat feature. Sometimes the automatic features can conflict with the way you've chosen to format lists. If you want to make your own changes to Word's bullet and numbering schemes, disable AutoFormat before you begin list-making. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Choose Tools, AutoCorrect Options, and then click the AutoFormat tab.

2. Clear the List Styles and Automatic Bulleted Lists check boxes.

3. In the AutoFormat As You Type tab, clear the Automatic Bulleted Lists and Automatic Numbered Lists check boxes.

   Cross-Reference 

   For more information about AutoFormatting, see Chapter 7, "Putting Text Tools to Work."

   Tip 

   Go with custom styles rather than the default  One way to ensure that you've saved a list's bullet or numbering formatting is to create your own styles. When you create a list style, opt to create a custom style; don't base the new style on any of Word's list styles. When you use the default list styles, Word returns to its default settings at shutdown, which means that when you open your document the next time, your changes will be gone. For more information about creating styles, see Chapter 9, "Using Styles to Increase Your Formatting Power."

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