WD: Heading Numbering in Sub Doc Does Not Appear in Master Doc

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

In a master document, Microsoft Word does not display subdocument heading numbering.

Word displays the heading numbering if you open the subdocument as a separate document, but when it is part of a master document, Word does not display subdocument-level heading numbering.

CAUSE

Word attaches the heading numbering format to the heading style. In a master document, the style definition of the master document overrides that of the subdocument, so if you do not apply heading numbering in the master document, it does not apply to any of the subdocuments either.

The same is true for all styles that exist in both the subdocument and master document: the style in the master document has priority over the same-name style in the subdocument. For example, if the Normal style in your subdocument contains Arial font formatting and the Normal style in your master document contains Times New Roman, Word formats the subdocument for Times New Roman when it is part of a master document.

WORKAROUND

Apply heading numbering for subdocuments from within the master document.

STATUS

This functionality is by design. Allowing the master document to control the styles makes the resulting combination of documents (master document and subdocuments) more consistent in style. Applying direct formatting in the master documents or subdocuments will override this functionality.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 157-158, 402