Heading Numbering
Heading numbering should reinforce the document hierarchy rather than become manually typed decoration. Word supports linking multilevel-list levels to heading styles, with format and restart behavior controlled by the document design.
For numbered headings, use a multilevel numbering system linked to heading styles so hierarchy and renumbering remain consistent after edits.
Key details
Important caveats
Automation
Use multilevel-list or equivalent structured numbering controls instead of manually typing heading numbers that can become stale.
Style Boundary
The number format, separators, depth and restart rules are house-style or template choices; preserve accessible heading semantics regardless of whether numbers are shown.
Further guidance
Hierarchy
Map each numbering level to the corresponding heading level so the number structure reflects the document outline.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Define new bullets, numbers, and multilevel lists — Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Multilevel numbering, heading-style linkage, restart and formatting behavior