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Participating Frequently
Nov 3, 2025 2:42 PM UTC
Question

Help with automatic figure numbering

Hello!

I was able to successfully input automatic figure numbering using a defined list and the bullets and numbering paragraph style. It works perfectly in my test document. However, on the actual document I am using it on, it does not number them in order.

So I'll start with the first figure and it's labeled correctly as Figure 1. But then, when I go to Figure 2, it suddenly becomes Figure 1 and the original Figure 1 becomes Figure 2. If I continue, even more figures are out of order in random ways.

I hope that makes sense. I've included pictures of how I have my style set up:

Thanks for any help/advice!

9 replies

Peter Kahrel
Community Expert
Community Expert
Nov 3, 2025 9:20 PM UTC

Jean-Marc's comment needs one small addition: numbering is chronological on pages, but across pages it is correct. That makes fixing the numbering a bit easier.

 

Barb's suggestion works fine if you can thread the frames that contain the numbered paragraphs. But if you can't (or don't want to, because adding a frame somewhere can be a hassle), then you can use this script to fix the numbering:

https://creativepro.com/files/kahrel/indesign/paragraph-numbering-fix.html

 

Before you use it, save and store your documents in a safe place to be on the safe side. I've used the script in one text only so far, and it works well in there, but be careful.

 

P.

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Barb Binder
Community Expert
Community Expert
Nov 3, 2025 6:59 PM UTC

And, numbering is most predictable when using threaded frames because then InDesign knows the order and always increments correctly. 

 

~Barb

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~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
jmlevy
Community Expert
Community Expert
Nov 3, 2025 6:13 PM UTC

Hi @claire_3045 

The numbering order does NOT depend on the position on the page, but on the chronological order in which the frames were created.

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Participating Frequently
Nov 4, 2025 2:42 PM UTC

Ok I think this might be my issue - I have no idea the actual order they were created haha. So I just need to redo each text frame in order to get them to number correctly?

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