Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 27, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Jim needs to create a four-digit incrementing number, such as 0001, 0002, etc. He thought a SEQ field would be good for this purpose, but he has no idea how to format a SEQ field number so it always uses four digits.
The key to doing this is to use a special switch as part of the SEQ field. Here's how a SEQ field normally looks when you place it in a document:
{ SEQ MyList \* MERGEFORMAT }
You'll need to modify the field so that it looks this way:
{ SEQ MyList \# "0000" \* MERGEFORMAT }
The \* switch indicates that whatever follows it should act as the pattern for the sequence returned by the field. This will ensure that the sequence will use four digits, just as Jim needs.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13047) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
One of the most powerful and useful fields provided by Word is the SEQ field. This tip describes how you can use the ...
Discover MoreAccurately and repeatedly referencing information within a document is a common task that needs to be done. One way to ...
Discover MoreUsing fields you can easily insert both the word and character counts for a document into the document itself. Here's how ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments