Using Outline Numbering in a Table

Summary: You can use outline numbering in a table, the same as you would outside of a table. The only difference is the keystrokes you use to change different outline levels. This tip discusses these differences. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

Greg Tulley wondered if it was possible to use outline numbering in a table. He questions this because whenever he presses the Tab key to advance to different bullet tiers (as he does outside of tables), he is instead taken to the next cell in the table.

To answer the question, yes, it is possible to use outline numbering in a table. The problem here is how you are choosing to advance between bullet tiers. The Tab key, in a table, is always used to move from one cell to another. To change indent levels--which gives you the next level of bullets or numbering--you need to press the Increase Indent toolbar button and, conversely, the Decrease Indent toolbar button to return to a higher level.

If you prefer to not use the toolbar buttons, but instead want to use the keyboard, you can change the outline level by using Shift+Alt+Left Arrow or Shift+Alt+Right Arrow. These provide the same functionality as the Increase Indent and Decrease Indent buttons. If, for some reason, you want to actually add a tab character in the text appearing in a cell, you need to press Ctrl+Tab.

Tip #208 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Using Outline Numbering in a Table