[Solved] Consecutive numbering in Multiple Tables

[judee]

Hi,

I am trying to recreate some tables I had - but am running into a problem with the numbering sequences.

I had it previously set up in Word as a two column table (which I liked for the format) and all items listed in the right column, with numbers in the left hand column. Within the same document, I has several tables, each representing a different category of items. There was a setting somewhere (can't remember, lol) that set it up so that the tables following the first one would have consecutive numbering. For example, Table A might be numbered from 1 to 456 - Table B would then start at 457 and continue from there. If I added an item to table A, thus giving it 457 items, then table B would automatically correct also, thus beginning with 458.

I can't seem to make this happen in Open Office - (writer). I set up the second table right under the first, with only the table name in between, but when I select the column and apply numbering, the numbering starts over at 1. I've looked all over to see if there is some kind of setting to get it to take up where the first table left off, but I can't find anything. I tried all the buttons in the little popup toolbar that opened when I applied numbering - but nothing worked. To be honest, I got so frustrated that I uninstalled Oo and got out my CD for Office (older version 2001).

But then, instead of reinstalling something that I really don't want on my PC, I hesitated and gave it some thought. It occurred to me that I hadn't even tried to get help. I'm not used to having forums like this one with customer support. Not to mention all the fantastic tutorials. I do regret my hasty decision to uninstall, but oh well, I'll just reiinstall, right? But I still need an answer to the question. How do I make the numbering in the multiple tables consecutive all the way to the end of the tables. (There are about 7 of them in all).

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Hagar Delest]

Go to the Numbering properties, in the Options tab, there is the Consecutive numbering option that you should check.

Else, you can use a Field like Number range in first cell of each row. This is the better way to do it (but will require some wandering in the tutorials or search in the forum ).

Thanks to add '[Solved]' in your first post title (edit button) if your issue has been fixed.

[acknak]

Right: if you want to preserve your table structure (two columns with numbers in one and items in the other), then you'll have to use the variable field that Hagar described. With numbered paragraphs, the numbering can't be separated from the paragraph.

To insert a variable field, put the cursor in the first table cell:
1) Insert > Fields > Other > Variables > Set variable
___Name: ItemNum
___Value: 100 (or "1", or whatever you want to start with)
___Click Insert
___(you can just leave this dialog open)
2) Move the cursor to the next numbered cell
3) ... Set variable
___Name: ItemNum
___Value: ItemNum+1
___Click Insert
___Close
4) Copy the second cell to the clipboard
5) Select all the other cells & paste to fill the rest of the table.
6) Paste the same into the other tables; the numbering will stay consistent. If you do need to restart at some point, you can simply double-click the field there and edit the "Value" to whatever you want; the numbering will pick up again after that.

[Hagar Delest]

Just 2 precisions :
- You can even skip the step 1 if first number has to be 1.
- There is a difference between a Set variable and the Number range. The latter can be directly cross-referenced in the text (put a cross-reference that will lead you to the target). You can do it with other variables also but you'll have to do it manually, making a bookmark of them first before being able to make a cross-reference.

[foxcole]

Right: if you want to preserve your table structure (two columns with numbers in one and items in the other), then you'll have to use the variable field that Hagar described. With numbered paragraphs, the numbering can't be separated from the paragraph.

I'm not really sure what you're saying here, acknak.

With two table columns, the table row contains two paragraphs, one in each column. The paragraph in the left column can be a numbered list style, and it doesn't have to contain text to be numbered. The next table would just continue numbering. I've set up a lot of sequence-numbered tables this way in my lifetime; the ones done in Word translate nicely into Writer.

It doesn't have some of the advantages that a number range might offer, such as cross-referencing, but it is easy to set up.

[judee]

Thanks all for anywering. I'll give these a try and let you know once I've solved the problem.

For the record, I don't need cross referencing, just the numbering. I'm a bit afraid of trying the Fields variables until I understand better what Fields do in general. (I like to learn as I go, and that means understanding the functions, not just following directions - though following directions is a great first step!)

A precision please about the paragraph - if I understand what is being said, in a table with 2 columns, each column is considered to be a paragraph? What about the individual cells?

Fox, you say that "The paragraph in the left column can be a numbered list style" - okay, that sounds very simple. But remember, I am a very very new beginner here, and one who never really used even 30% of the functions in Word - so I now ask, how to create a "numbered list style" for the first column? It does sound easier than the Fields, though I may try that one too to see what it does. Multiple ways to accomplish this don't bother me at all, lol, I'd rather have several choices than none.

So.. numbered list style? If you don't have time to explain, just point me to a tut. I've downloaded a lot of the tutorials, but it's hard to know where to look for a specific problem, and this is one I need to get fixed rather quickly - then I can concentrate on learning all the other options of Oo.

[acknak]

Each cell in a table holds one (or more) paragraphs. Because the two cells in each of your rows is a separate paragraph, you can't use the numbered list that foxcole mentioned. If you want to use that, you can't use a table.

It would help to see a sample document or screenshot of what you are trying to do. You can attach either of those to this thread.

For Writer basics, try: Writer Guide (online; PDF available here: OOo Guides)

For tutorials, there are many excellent blogs and resources around the web (Google can tell you where). Here's one: Tutorials for OpenOffice.org

[foxcole]

Each cell in a table holds one (or more) paragraphs. Because the two cells in each of your rows is a separate paragraph, you can't use the numbered list that foxcole mentioned. If you want to use that, you can't use a table.

I think we're still not quite connecting on the concept. All the OP needs, from what I understand, is a consecutively numbered first column. You can do this with a numbered paragraph style, and the paragraph can be blank. The second column, same row, is for all the content related to that number. The very fact that each cell has its own paragraph is what makes this work. You can number the first column, and you can have as many paragraphs as you want in the second column. The fact that the two cells in each row are separate paragraphs have nothing to do with whether you can use a numbered paragraph style in the first cell.

[acknak]

Aha! Now I see what you're saying. Sure--good point.

[judee]

Okay, well, I found it - I kneww it was something simple, lol. While I'm sure the formulas work, what I was looking for was right under my nose...

When I select the left column in the second (and following tables) then right click on the selected column - at the very top (I was looking lower) is an option to "continue previous numbering". I click that and it's all it takes.

Wow, I am really embarassed... I do have some vision problems, but this is pretty unexcusable.

But I did learn some interesting things from your efforts, so I hope you don't feel you wasted your time - just looking into the fields and style variables has helped me understand them, so when I have need of them they will be easier to deal with thanks to you good people.

Many thanks, problem solved! Do I need to edit the title (am I even able to do so?) If so, I'll edit it, if not, please someone mark this as solved.