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Answered

InDesign Numbering Issue with new Elements

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 27, 2025
4 replies
1221 views

Hi, in InDesign I have a numbering list with the Mode "Continue from Previous Number" but when I try to copy paste one figure, it goes at the last number. For example if I copy one figure between 3 and 4 the new figure does not take 4th place, but goes 71 ( last number in the numbering list) what is the issue?

Note:

1. For the new elements I tried to "Restart Numbering" - but the number goes to 1, and the other elements from the list are not updated.

2. Also when I try and press "Continue Numbering" the number goes again to 71

Looking forward for a solution. Best regards to everyone!

Correct answer Peter Kahrel

I ran into this problem recently. It's a silly bug. The chronology problem occurs only in the case of numbered paragraphs on the same page. When you add numbered paragraphs on different pages they're numbered correctly.

There are two solutions, both not very satisfactory but they work:

1. If you have the a small number of paragraphs, threading one or more frames will fix the problem. For example, suppose you have a text frame with a numbered paragraph. Then you add a frame on the same page before the existing frame. The new frame will have number 2, the original, 1. To fix this, add a return at the end of the top frame (the one with number 2), then thread that frame to the frame that has number 1. The numbers will then be correct.

2. If you have a lot of (unthreaded) frames with numbered paragraphs (figure captions, in my case) then threading is not an option. The cleanes is to set the start number at every frame. The make that easier I use this script (the web page explains indetail):

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

P.

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

@Alexandru32535731ooae

My ID-Tasker tool can easily re-create your objects in the "correct" order.

It's not free and PC only - but I can give you access to the full version for free for some time.

Or you can share your file with me and I'll fix your document for you - please click my nickname to share your file privately.

Peter Kahrel

Correct answer

Community Expert

I ran into this problem recently. It's a silly bug. The chronology problem occurs only in the case of numbered paragraphs on the same page. When you add numbered paragraphs on different pages they're numbered correctly.

There are two solutions, both not very satisfactory but they work:

1. If you have the a small number of paragraphs, threading one or more frames will fix the problem. For example, suppose you have a text frame with a numbered paragraph. Then you add a frame on the same page before the existing frame. The new frame will have number 2, the original, 1. To fix this, add a return at the end of the top frame (the one with number 2), then thread that frame to the frame that has number 1. The numbers will then be correct.

2. If you have a lot of (unthreaded) frames with numbered paragraphs (figure captions, in my case) then threading is not an option. The cleanes is to set the start number at every frame. The make that easier I use this script (the web page explains indetail):

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

P.

jmlevy

Community Expert

Because numbering does not depend on the text frame position on the page but depend on the chronological creation order of the frame.

A

Alexandru32535731ooaeAuthor

Participant

I understand, considering that there are a lot of elements and pages with this numbering, is there a way to somehow bypass this limitation and add a new element elsewhere than at the end of the list, mantaining the logical sequence?

Willi Adelberger

Community Expert

Create a text frame and anchor all in that frame. You need only to drag the proxy into that frame. No text is needed, this frame is invisble.

Willi Adelberger

Community Expert

screen shot please

A

Alexandru32535731ooaeAuthor

Participant

Thank you for your response Mr. Willi, attached some screenshots, hope they help.

jmlevy

Community Expert

@Alexandru32535731ooae as I wrote, increment of autonumbered unthreaded frames depend on the chronological order, not on the position of the page. You can check this by cutting the frame numberd 1 and pasting it in place: it will be renumbered 71, and all the others updated (2 will become 1, and so on).

Edit: you asked you last question while I was also answering.

is there a way to somehow bypass this limitation and add a new element elsewhere than at the end of the list, mantaining the logical sequence?

The only way I know is to select each frame one after the other and to cut and paste on place each one. I think that Sandee Cohen (InDesign expert) gave a trick a few years ago but I can't find it again.

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