Expert: Wayne Johnson - 7/19/2011

Question
I am using an existing, inherited template. Currently, the template is re-initializing the autonumbering for table and figure titles to 1 in each chapter.
Would like the tables and figures to continue across chapters (like the page numbering)....  
Any thoughts on how I can change this?

Answer
Lori - You can setup autonumbering to continue from the previous document in a book, however I think it is "all or nothing," (i.e all paragraphs, figures, etc will continue to increase or "all" start over at 1).
You might try the following with 2 small documents.
I used 2 new files, (i.e. File 1 and File 2) and put them into a "new book."
For Tables:
Then I inserted a table in both documents with the table title at the top of the table.
Then go to the Menu Bar and Select FORMAT - DOCUMENT NUMBERING - and Select "PARAGRAPH and then "continue Numbering from Previous Paragraph in BOOK." Note: This is why I think the increase in numbering is "all or nothing," there is no other option.
Now save your document.
Now Update your book and the table numbering should have increased in the second document.

For Figures - I created a new Paragraph style called "Figure."
Go to the Menu Bar and Select FORMAT - PARAGRAPH DESIGNER.
Type in the name of your New Paragraph.
Select the "Numbering" tab
In the large white space area I typed in Figure and then selected the <n+> which will increase the numbering each time the style is used.
Select "Apply to Selection" and exit.

Close all files and then select UPDATE BOOK and the number should update.

Regards, Wayne