Numbered list across different text boxes

[chamilila]

Hey everyone! 

I'm trying to create the headers of an index in Illustrator. So, I'd like a numbered list with all my sections and then be able to break up that list into individual text boxes, so I can list the subsections below. Something like this: 

But when I break up the list into new text boxes, the numbers seem to reset, which is really annoying. Is there any way to maintain the numbering across different text boxes?

When I resize the text box, I get the ACTUAL numbers I want over it, like the continued numbers. Which is weird because that only shows up when manipulating the tex box. 

Does anyone know if it's possible to keep the original numbers across multiple text boxes?

Thank you!

[Doug A Roberts]

Are you using threaded text boxes?

[chamilila]

Yes

[Doug A Roberts]

Likewise, I don't see numbers resetting in threaded text boxes:

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

So creating a text box and then the numbering and later resizing the box and splitting it up across multiple text boxes and then resizing it again keeps the numbering for me.

Can you please show screenshots of each step?

It's the same paragraph style you apply to all the text, right?

[chamilila]

That actually did work. But I'm not sure what the difference is with the previous text box, because they have the same text style. It's a mystery lol. Thank you so much!

[pixxxelschubser]

@chamilila 

That is not an answer to your question.

However, InDesign is clearly better suited for such tasks.

Do you have experience with InDesign? Would that perhaps be an alternative for you?

[chamilila]

Thank you @pixxxelschubser , I do have experience with inDesign. However, this set of documents have already been designed in Illustrator so it would have been a much more time-consuming task to import/migrate the designs and I managed to do it the way Monika suggested for the numbered lists.

[pixxxelschubser]

Unfortunately I don't know your project.

But if it is to be a recurring project:

Maybe in the next edition of your project? Maybe the effort for a new creation in InDesign is worth it very quickly?