Figure/table numbering across multiple files

[STL Orca]

Hey gang,

I've got a multi-file book in FM 11 that requires that page, paragraph, figure and table numbers be sequential (3.1-1, 3.1-2, etc.) across files.  The page and paragraph number issues were fairly simple: Format > Document > Numbering, continue numbering from previous chapter, update the book and Bob's your uncle.  Now, the relevant paragraph numbering is as follows:

H:<$chapnum>.<n+>.< =0>< =0>\t

The figure and table numbers are tougher; using the following format

H:Table (or Figure) <$chapnum>.<n>< >< >-<n+>\t

I can get the paragraph numbers to work out, but the individual figure/table numbers restart at 1 in each file.  The issue is that there's nothing telling FM to continue numbering the tables or figures from the previous file in the book, but I can't figure out how to do it.  Any ideas?

Regards,

-terry-

[Bob_Niland · Accepted solution]

These counters are considered paragraph numbering for purposes of continuation across book components.

The list of usual suspects when one unexpectedly gets reset include but is not limited to:

1. Conflict between book and component file Numbering Properties
2. Some rogue paragraph is using the same counter and resetting it.

[angincan]

how can we solve 2nd problem?

[Mike-Hardy]

I'd suggest that you explicitly use the same number of counters for all autonumber definitions that are in the same series. Excluding the <$chapnum> building block, you have three counters in this example:

H:<$chapnum>.<n+>.< =0>< =0>\t

but four counters in this:

H:Table (or Figure) <$chapnum>.<n>< >< >-<n+>\t

The first example doesn't define what to do with that fourth counter, and is probably defaulting to resetting it.

Work out how many distinct counters you want, and define the purpose of each. I'm guessing you actually want five:

1. Section number
2. Subsection number
3. Subsubsection number
4. Figure number
5. Table number.

Then work out appropriate autonumber formats, something like this (respectively)

1. H:<$chapnum>.<n+>.< =0>< =0>< >< >\t
2. H:<$chapnum>.<n>.<n+>< =0>< >< >\t
3. H:<$chapnum>.<n>.<n><n+>< >< >\t
4. H:Table <$chapnum>.<n>< >< >-<n+>< >\t
5. H:Figure <$chapnum>.<n>< >< >-< ><n+>\t

[STL Orca]

Closing the loop:

Bob's answer was the correct one.  The auto-numbering for the book and for the chapter were different.  Once I went through and reset the numbering sequence and then updated the book, everything was groovy.  Page numbers, table and figure numbers all flow smooth like a gravy sammich.

I also went through and made sure the numbering had the same level and style of indenture as the numbered headings. (For the record, these files need nine(!) levels of numbering.)

Thanks for your help, guys.  I really appreciate it!

-terry-