Numbered List Continue from Previous Skipping Numbers

[Todd5FB2]

I created a numbered list Paragraph titled: Numbered List 1, the mode Start At  1. To be able to have this list continue numbering from 1 I duplicated the list, edited the Style Name: to Numbered List 1 Cont. and under Mode: I set it to: Continue from Previous. 

For some reason the next numbered list continues at 4, not 2. What could be causing this to happen? I have never had this issue with numbering before.

Any help would be appreciated.

Todd

[Barb Binder]

Hi Todd:

I think you are trying to clarify how to restart lists in document? 

I've explained two ways to restart lists on this post: one uses a manual restart for the first item of each list, then second will automatically restart, with no further work on your part. I recommend the latter option, if you have a paragraph that consistently appears between lists.  https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/adobe-indesign-restart-numbered-lists-automatically/

If you prefer to use your approach, see the two screen shots below:

Start

Continue

~Barb 

[Todd5FB2]

Thanks for the reply Barb,

I am not trying to restart a numbered list, I am trying to get the numbered list that starts at 1 continue to 2, for some reason the list starts at 1 and then jumps to 4 2 pages later whne it needs to be 2.  These numbered lists are pages apart, could that be causing the jump? 

Numbered List 1 begins on page 2, then I have a lost of sub lists beneath, along with text, paragraphs and tables, then Numbered List 1 Cont. on page 4 which should begin with 2, instead it is starting at 4.

We are creating a document where we have 10+ parts (1 Title Here, 2 Title Here, 3 Title Here, Etc...) under each part are other paragraphs lists and tables. Then Part 2, etc... For some reason just the part numbered lists are not continuing consecutively, it is jumping from 1 to 4. 

Thanks again...

[default53lzox9jz6f8]

I'd just like to say with the latest 2026 update this no longer works, I have set up my numbering exactly the same as you but I consisently get the list continuing from a paragraph that's divided by body copy that is a non-numbered list style. I can get by for now with the manual restart approach but trhe automated option seems to either have a bug or I'm missing something, I can't ever remember this being a problem before now.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @default53lzox9jz6f8,

I appreciate you providing your update. To assist in investigating this matter further, could you please confirm the operating system you are using? Additionally, it would be very beneficial if you could send a small test file that contains the paragraphs in question along with the corresponding paragraph style setup, so I can directly observe the behavior. If possible, a brief screen recording demonstrating your workflow and how you expect the numbering to proceed would greatly aid in understanding the situation on your end.

I'll be glad to take a more in-depth look. Looking forward to hearing back. 

Abhishek

[default53lzox9jz6f8]

Hi thanks but you cannot just try and replicate this your end to see if it is indeed a bug? I am using Sequoia 15.5 and the latest update of Indesign 2026.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @default53lzox9jz6f8,

Thanks so much for the follow-up and for your patience. I tested this on my side in InDesign 21.0.2 by creating a similar setup with three paragraph styles for top level numbering, sub levels and body text in between. With that configuration, the numbering continued correctly when returning to the top level style after both sublist items and regular body paragraphs.

To make sure I'm replicating your exact setup and not missing a detail in your style structure, could you please share a small sample file where the issue occurs? Even a simplified version with just a few paragraphs would be perfect. Once I can review the exact paragraph styles and list settings in your file, I'll check it directly with the team and update you with the findings.

I appreciate your help in narrowing.

Abhishek 

[Barb Binder]

Numbered List 1 begins on page 2, then I have a lost of sub lists beneath, along with text, paragraphs and tables, then Numbered List 1 Cont. on page 4 which should begin with 2, instead it is starting at 4.

So you have nested lists, and the top level isn't incrementing correctly? (Screen shots always help us help you faster.)

Is this the scenario?

1 Top Level List Item

  1.  sublist item

  2.  sublist item

  3.  sublist item

  Table 1: Table Title

  Random text paragraphs

2 Top Level List Item

~Barb

[Todd5FB2]

Again thank you for helping with this. What you wrote is very similar to what my layout looks like.

I have attached some screenshots of the text that is not changing and my numbering options in the style. Let me know if you need additional information.

Thanks again