How to make a multi-level numbered list
Press Tab at the start of a list item in Write by Zaweba to move it down a level and Shift+Tab to move it back, building 1, 1.1 and 1.1.1 style outlines.
Start a numbered list, then press Tab at the start of any item to move it down a level. Shift+Tab moves it back up. Write by Zaweba numbers each level in its own style, and the Bullets and numbering library includes outline numbering in the 1. then 1.1. then 1.1.1. pattern for policies, reports and contracts.
Where multi-level lists earn their keep
Some documents are made of points and sub-points. A club constitution has numbered clauses with lettered parts. A health and safety policy has sections, then rules, then details. A project plan has phases broken into tasks. Meeting minutes have agenda items with decisions underneath.
A multi-level list makes that structure clear at a glance, and each point has an address, such as clause 4.2, that people can refer to in a meeting or an email.
Building one step by step
Start a numbered list at the first item and type it. Press Enter for the next item. If the next point belongs under the one above, press Tab at the very start of the item before you type. It moves in one level and starts numbering in that level's style. Type it and press Enter: the new item stays at the same level.
When you are ready to go back to the main level, press Shift+Tab at the start of the item. The numbering carries on from the last main point. Press Enter on an empty item to end the list altogether.
The same keys work on items you have already written. Click at the start of any item and press Tab or Shift+Tab to move it.
Picking the numbering scheme
The Bullets and numbering library has number styles for each level: 1. and 1) for main points, a. and a) or i. and I. for sub-points, and A. for sections. Mixed schemes, such as 1., then a., then i., are traditional in many constitutions and school documents.
For anything that will be cited by number, choose the outline numbering that runs 1., 1.1., 1.1.1. Each sub-point then carries its full address, and nobody has to work out which a) you mean.
Keeping a long outline readable
Indentation shows the level, so keep it consistent. If one item looks out of line, it is usually on the wrong level, and Tab or Shift+Tab fixes it. Avoid going more than three or four levels deep. If you find yourself at a fifth level, the document may be better split with headings.
Headings and lists work together well. Use Heading 1 for major sections, which fill the navigation pane and the table of contents, and a numbered list within each section for the clauses. To continue numbering across headings, use Set numbering value on the first item after the heading.
Moving items around
Alt+Shift+Up and Alt+Shift+Down move the current paragraph up or down, which is the quickest way to reorder items. The numbers follow the new order.
Sharing outlines with others
Multi-level lists save into .docx and .zawr with their levels and numbering, so the person receiving the document sees the same 4.2 you do. A policy written in Write by Zaweba can be opened, edited and sent back by someone using another word processor without the numbering falling apart.
