Want to create a new numbered list, or just unhappy with the old one? There are a few ways to insert and handle numbering in Microsoft Word, and that includes resetting things. In this article, we’ll be showing you four ways to reset numbering in Word.
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Reset Numbering in Word
Let’s get right to it and take a look at ways to reset or restart numbered lists in different ways.
Restart the List
If you’re looking for the simplest way how to reset numbering in Word document, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Right-click the specific number you want to change.
Step 2. Right-click the number that you want to reset. This will work in split lists and continuous lists.
Step 3. Click “Restart at 1” to reset the list from the number you chose.
Set Numbering Value
If you want more control over how you reset your list, or don’t want to necessarily start from one, you can use the “Set numbering value” feature to restart things. This is also useful if the list is running into formatting problems. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Double-click the numbers in the list to select everything.
Step 2. Right-click the number that you want to change the value of to bring up the context menu.
Step 3. Click “Set Numbering Value.”
Step 4. A new window will pop up, and you can choose your values. “Start new list” is the best way to reset your numbering. Choose your custom value under “Set value to” and click “OK” to finalize.
Deactivate and Reactivate Numbering
If your numbered list just isn’t cooperating, it could be an issue with metadata. In this case, turning numbering off and on again can be a quick solution to the problem. Here’s how:
Step 1. Drag select all items on your numbered list.
Step 2. Click the “Numbering” icon in the “Paragraph” subsection of the “Home” tab. The numbers should disappear.
Step 3. Click the “Numbering” icon again, and the list should be reset or a continuation of the previous list.
Resetting Multilevel Lists
Multilevel lists can get tricky when trying to start fresh. Letters can replace numbers, and some numbers will refuse to cooperate. Thankfully, Word also includes tools to help you get this done in the “Multilevel List” icon. Here’s how you can reset things:
Step 1. Select all options in the list you want to reset.
Step 2. Click the “Multilevel List” icon at the top and select “Define New Multilevel List” from the dropdown menu that appears.
Step 3. In the new window, click the “More” button to bring up the advanced options.
Step 4. Ensure that “Restart list after” is set to the level you want to reset. If your current format is in letters, change the “Enter formatting for number” and “Number style for this level.”
Step 5. Click “OK” to finalize.
