How to change default indents in a numbered list

[wtokyo]

I am using Word 2007 with Vista Basic. I am trying to change the default
indent from .25 to .30. I have tried clicking on the "Home" tab and then
gone to the "Paragraph" group. I clicked on the down arrow next to
"multi-level list". I then clicked on 'Define new multi-level list." I then
changed the indent to .3. I also gave this setting a list number name and
then checked the box that says, "use this as a template for all future
documents."

Although the indents changed for that particular document, the problem is
that the next time I open a Word document, it reverts back to the .25 indents
and the list name I created does not appear.

Please tell me how to make the changes permanent. Thanks.

 

[Stefan Blom]

Create a list style; such a style can be added to your template just like
any other style.

 

[wtokyo]

Thanks for your response but I don't know how to create a list style. BTW, I
have spent hours doing internet searches trying to solve this problem.
Everybody keeps referring to instructions that you have given.

http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/WordFAQs/NumberAlignment2007.htm

I thought I had followed the proper steps but apparently not. Based on the
steps I've taken, as described in my original post, is it possible to tell me
what I'm doing wrong?

BTW, the reason I'm trying to adjust the default indent from .25 to .30 is
that if you have 10 or more items numbered, there isn't enough space between
the number and the item. Thanks.

wtokyo

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You would do better in this case to right-align the numbers.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org

 

[wtokyo]

I am sorry but I don't understand how this solves the problem. I previously
used Word 2000 for the past 8 years and had no trouble setting my default
numbering such that all the numbers were aligned left and all the text
started at an indent at .30, not .25.

Is there any simple step-by-step protocol that you could either write or
direct me to. Given the number of years I have spent using Microsoft Word, I
am fairly computer savvy so don't understand why I am having so much trouble
with this problem.

wtokyo

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

I'm not saying you couldn't or shouldn't change the indent to .30, just
that, when double-digit numbers are present, it is preferable to right-align
all the numbers. If single-digit numbers outnumber the double-digit, I
usually set the number position such that the single-digit ones are flush to
the margin and the double-digit ones "hang" out into the margin.

But you'll also find that if you change the number alignment from Left to
Right, Word will adjust the placement of the number and/or the tab/indent
settings. In the Define New Multilevel List dialog, the number position
changes from 0" to 0.2" while the indent stays at 0.25". In the Define New
Number Format dialog, the number actually appears to move to the left. You'd
have to experiment with this in actual practice.

In any case, note that the indent can be set directly in the Define New
Multilevel List dialog. Indents for simple lists (using the Numbering
button) can be adjusted using the right-click Adjust List Indents dialog.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org