Wrong automatic chapter numbering after moving pages

[Isgrof]

I have a book with automatic, three-level chapter numbering.

It worked perfectly until I moved a few pages containing paragraphs 2.2.x before paragraph 2.1x, expecting the heads to update automatically.

They didn't, and no matter what I try - checking that automatic numbering is on, updating paragraph and section numbering from the book panel - nothing seems to work: now my order reads 2 - 2.2  - 2.1.

Anyone knows what is going on?

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Start by checking your text threads with View > Extras > Text Threads. I think you will find that the threads are out of order. Restore the original page order, and then use Cut and Paste to move the section. (I'd do it in Story Editor.) Then you should be good to go.

~Barb

[Isgrof]

Barb,

thanks for the tip!

I managed to solve the issue after identifying the thread that was messing the numbering up. I copied the text, broke the thread, and recopied it in place, so I didn't have to restore the original page order.

I think my issue was that I didn't realise that the thread would "override" the page order change. While I can see why it could make sense for Indesign to do this, I think maybe it would be nice to have the option to automatically handle this so that the numbering follows the page reordering?

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Can you post the code from the numbering section of your pargraph styles?

[Barb Binder]

InDesign maintains the original threading order after a drag and drop, as you discovered. If you are thinking this should change, you can post a feature request here: https://indesign.uservoice.com/. Note that it needs people to vote it up to be considered.

In the meantime, I'm glad you were able to get it straightened out. 😊

~Barb 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I don't see it as being a missing feature as much as not understanding document construction. 

Long-document rule #17

Don't cut and paste text frames to move text; cut and paste the selected text from the text frame(s).

[Isgrof]

Of course, as I said, I didn't realise that.

But technically, I didn't copy-paste anything: I moved the entire pages with the dedicated command.

While technically it's a similar operation, it is not the same thing.

I think it may be fair, in that case, to have an option that allows the numbering to adjust accordingly after such an operation, as I can't see many cases where you may want to move some pages earlier in the document without wanting the numbering to adjust.

Therefore, I will probably post a feature request. 

Thanks again Barb,

and thank you for your time IDEAS-Training.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

That's rule #18: Don't move pages with text flows. 😁

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I could see a new feature working if ID has a option to use paragraph numbers based on document order (page order) rather than the current text-flow order. 

My only concern is having documents with crazy text flows, making editing more difficult. 

[Isgrof]

This would totally be helpful, at least the way I work 😄 I'd like to have the paragraph structure and hierarchy sorted out asap, but with the freedom to move things around in one step anytime