Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 25, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, Word in Microsoft 365, and 2021
Word allows you to automatically number items in your document. For instance, you can automatically number figures, tables, or illustrations. If you later reorder these items, Word automatically updates the numbers so they are in order. To sequentially number items in your text, follow these steps:
You should realize that these steps add and update a single item number within your sequence. If you have added multiple SEQ fields and you want to update them all, then you'll need to select the entire document (Ctrl+A) and then press F9.
You should also be aware that if you have Track Changes turned on in your document, the numbering done by SEQ fields can seem to be completely out of whack at times. The way around this is to resolve (accept or reject) all the changes in your document and then update the SEQ fields.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (5680) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, Word in Microsoft 365, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Sequentially Numbering Elements in Your Document.
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