When you create numbered lists in Microsoft Word, the periods after the numbers don’t automatically line up when you advance from single digits to double digits. So, today’s tutorial shows how to align the periods in numbered lists.
For a full tutorial about creating numbered lists, please see “How to Create and Modify Numbered Lists in Microsoft Word.”
Watch all the steps shown here in real time!
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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a., Word for Mac), Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.
How to Align the Periods in Numbered Lists
- Select the first number to select all the list numbers on the same level.
- Select the Home tab.
- Select the Numbering menu arrow.
- Select Define New Number Format in the drop-down menu.
- Select Right in the Alignment menu in the Define New Number Format dialog box.
- Select the OK button.
The periods should now be aligned.
- (Optional) Select the list items and use the Hanging Indent marker on the ruler to adjust the spacing.
