How to number Figure Titles continously across book files

[tkelly5446]

Currently in our book files, the Figure Titles restart at 1 in each book file. We would like them to number continously throughout the whole book, so that if there are 3 figures in chapter 1, the first figure in chapter 2 automatically starts at 4 (and if figures are added or deleted, the numbers update automatically when you generate the book).

Is this possible to do or are we forced to number our figures with a chapter preface (first chapter figures are 1.1, 1.2, etc., second chapter figures are 2.1, 2.2, etc.)

[Mike Wickham]

It's very possible and easy.

1. Assign a "series label" to the paragraph format that holds the autonumber

for your figures. I use "F:" for figures. For example, "F:Fig. <n+>.\sn" is

the autonumber format I use. It gives a result such as "Fig. 3. " (I also

assign a bold character format to the autonumber format, to separate it from

the caption text.)

2. In the book file, select the files you want to be affected, right click

and choose "Numbering." On the Paragraph tab, set "Continue Numbering from

Previous Paragraph in Book."

3. Edit> Update Book to see the result.

4. Done!

Series labels come in really handy. Some use separate series labels for

tables, photos, charts, etc., but that can become confusing to readers very

quickly. (Table 1 follows Plate 6?). It's easier and clearer to use a single

series label for all illustrative elements.

Mike Wickham