Create a numbered list
Numbered lists are another way to present a list of information, especially when the information needs to be ordered. In fact, we use numbered lists frequently in this course!
Here’s how to do it in Word:
- Go to a blank line in your document.
- Click “Numbering”
- Type something then press Enter to continue the list on a new line.
Pro tip: You can also start a new numbered list without using the mouse. On a new line, type “1.” (including the fullstop) then a aspace. Word will automatically start a numbered list for you.
Practice point: Create a numbered list of at least five items. For this example, list your top 5 favourite tv shows of all time. You should end up with something that looks something like this:
Now go to the second item on your list. As with the bullet point lists, you can indent an item. With your cursor at the start of the text, press “Tab” on your keyboard. This will indent the bullet point, to create a sub-list. You can also do this with the Increase Indent / Decrease Indent buttons:
Note how the numbers 3-5 have re-numbered themselves automatically to be number 2-4.
Pro tip: You don’t have to start a numbered list with empty space. You can turn existing text into a numbered point list by highlighting it first, then clicking “Numbering”. Click it again to remove the numbering.
Different ways to number
Not every list makes sense to be 1, 2, 3… some lists would be better numbered in other ways. If you click the arrow next to “Numbering” you will see other options for numbering your list.
