Multi level list item on same line/paragraph

[Bhaskar Arumugam]

Hi,

At the outset, I apologise if this was already answered, but I was not able to find it. Here's my question: I have a document in which the list levels 1 and 2 should appear on the same line/paragraph (please refer to the screenshot below). How can this be achieved with the list numbering feature in InDesign? If there's no direct option available, is there a workaround available without setting it manually?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Numbering of this kind is inherently tied to paragraphs. I suppose some very convoluted system could be used to insert numbers within a paragraph, but it would likely be manual or need a fairly complicated script.

If what you specifically mean is to 'run in' the first level and the second level — (ii) followed by (a) — that requires a feature called "run-in heads" and InDesign does not support them. (Not for lack of requests!) FrameMaker handles run-in headings, but not ID.

That can be simulated with some script work, I believe, or with the trick of making two lines appear on one by giving the first a zero line space. That is, you would have a Level 1 line, a Level 1 line with zero leading, and then a Level 2 line that would either fall below the regular Level 1 line or fall on the same document line with the alternative, essentially overlapping it but separated by the left indent. That make sense? [It may be the first Level 2 line that needs zero leading... I can never remember how InDesign sorts that out. 🙂 ]

But, to be honest, unless there is some very compelling reason to have this structure, where some Level 1 lines have text and others don't (and having the first Level 2 line jump up)... I'd just leave the Level 1 line text empty and let the first Level 2 line fall where it would normally. Perhaps something like an em-dash to fill the text space, if that looks better to your eye.

(1) Level One, with some text after it.
     (a) Level Two stuff
     (b) Level Two stuff
(2) —
     (a) Level Two stuff
     (b) Level Two stuff

But even if ID could do the layout you show above... I find it awkward-looking and confusing.

[Bhaskar Arumugam]

@James Gifford—NitroPress Thanks for your response. The book has around 600 pages, and just having an emtpy line for the questions adds another 15-20 pages, which we don't want, hence we are looking for a solution or workaround.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Then the "roll up" method, using zero leading to bring the first line up to that of the prior one, should do it for you. It will have to use a manually applied style, although a script might be able to automate its use. Here's a thumbnail:

The numbered levels 1-3 are Level One, a standard paragraph with auto-numbering.

The numbered levels a-c are Level Two, also a standard paragraph with auto-numbering. Set up all hierarchical numbering correctly for these.

The red text is Level Two NB, for 'no break.' It should be an identical descendant of Level Two, except with the leading set to zero.

This should accomplish what you're seeking. You may have to use consistent line spacing for all levels to get this to work smoothly; it's been a while since I used this hack and can't remember all the subtle issues.

[Bhaskar Arumugam]

@James Gifford—NitroPress 
Thanks for your response. I will give it a try.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

How is the book being distributed: printed or PDF?

[Bhaskar Arumugam]

@Dave Creamer of IDEAS 
Printed.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I would require an extra style (to start at 2) and typing in (a), but you can do it with styles. The (a) should be able to be entered with a find/change.