
It’s important to remember that the numbered list settings might not be what you expect because Word applies the last numbering style selected. In this article, we’ll take a basic look at Word’s numbering feature and then move on to two common problems–indents and alignment–that are easy to solve if you know where to look and how to alter the setting to get the results you want.

As is often the case with Office, knowing the right setting to use and where to find it is the key. Word’s numbered list feature is easy to use but modifying the results isn’t always as intuitive as you might like.

Here are some tips for using settings to control spacing and alignment in a numbered list. Modifying results in Word's numbered list feature isn't as intuitive as many users would like. It may be acceptable to use double spacing for quote blocks within a text, but different line spacing per chapter or section is almost always a bad idea.How to control spacing and alignment in a numbered list in Microsoft Word A text with randomly differing leading is likely to confuse the reader’s eyes. Whatever spacing you choose, the important part is that it is consistent. Some studies suggest that the additional spacing between lines can make it easier for readers to lose their place in a text, rather than harder. It’s worth noting, though, that this may not always help. However, you can also double space in Word if you’re struggling to focus on your text. Legal documents are also typically doubled spaced. This includes when writing an academic piece or essay, sending a novel to an agent or editor, or submitting content to a magazine.

It’s a good idea to use double spacing in situations where you expect somebody to edit or comment on your text in a professional capacity.

When you should use double spacing in Word It was only in the mid-20th century that publications standardized single spacing - primarily to cut the costs of mass printed material. In fact, double-spaced documents used to be the standard due to the limitations of typewriters. Double spacing is a practice that typists have used since the advent of typewriters in the 19th century.
