Using a numbered list to create chapter numbers in a TOC
This is one of those really esoteric solutions that makes sense for the two or three people who need this specific feature, but I’m writing it out hoping that others will take the concept behind the feature and apply it elsewhere.
First, here’s the problem.
I generate a TOC from the Chapter Names and the A Heads in my book. The TOC dialog box contains the controls to add tabs and numbers after the chapter name, but there’s no control to add anything before the entry.
In the past I have had to manually type “Chapter #” in front of each chapter name entry in the table of contents. It hasn’t been too difficult for 21 chapters, but it meant having to retype those manual entries if the TOC changed. Not fun.
This time I had a brilliant thought. Why not make the TOC entry a numbered list. In front of the chapter name entry, I could add the word “Chapter” and then insert the number from the numbered list as well as the tab character separating the number from the Chapter name.
With the mode set to continue from the Previous number, each chapter entry automatically gets a number which just happens to be the same as its actual chapter number.
I’m psyched about this technique and hope someone else can use it. (Hmmm, David, how’s your book doing?)
Thanks,
It’s a great tip… :o)
This is something I have been doing manually for years. Another top tip which allows me to update the contents without any extra work.
This has to be the best site on the web.
This is exactly why I bought InD CS3. Numbered paragraphs are a time-saver all-round.
Another thing, if you have numbered paragraph headings in your document there are options to include or exclude the number, the number and paragraph or not to inlcude these at all, these are settings at the bottom of the ToC Style dialogue box for this.
Sandee, this is a fun use of the automatic numbering feature. However (and I don’t mean to spoil the fun, but…) CS3 already has a Chapter Numbering feature for this purpose. As long as all your chapters are in a book palette, it works quite well.
First, open the Numbering & Section options dialog box for the first page of each document:
Then, in each chapter, create a line that says “Chapter ” then insert the Chapter Number variable (Type > Text Variables > Insert > Chapter Number). Style that with your normal “Chapter Number” paragraph style.
When you make your TOC, include that paragraph style, and the chapter number will show up automatically.
Each time the numbering changes, you have to choose Update Chapter and Paragraph Numbering from the Update submenu in the Pages panel menu.
That said, I’m going to have to agree that in many cases your idea of simply applying a numbering list directly to that TOC is simpler.
This is genius. I’m continually amazed by all the ways you come up with to make the software jump through brand new hoops. Love it.
OK, David. I’m actually using that chapter number variable in my chapters. Your solution is good for the chapters files. But I’m talking about the TOC.
How do I get a single line entry in my TOC that
• Starts with the word “Chapter” (which never appears in the actual chapter document
• Then contains the number (which appears in its own paragraph style)
• Then contains the name of the chapter (which appears in yet another paragraph style)
Is there a control in the TOC entry settings that will allow me to munge together three paragraph styles into a single TOC entry? If there is, I haven’t found it.
David’s way works well if you’re going to have:
Chapter 1…… 1
Getting Started…..1
etc.
Vector babe’s way is good if you want the ToC to look like
Chapter 1 Getting Started…1
I particluary like the numbering for doing Figures, Tables, Examples and other things. Throughout the body of your text you can have all these autmatically numbered, no hassle no fuss, just different paragraph styles.
Eugene is correct, but even that solution wouldn’t work for me as the word “Chapter” doesn’t appear as part of the paragraph that holds the chapter number variable.
I’m wondering why you would have a Chapter Number Variable here then? Could you not have achieved the same thing by having a Numbered List defined that carries across Chapters in the Book?
Not that there is anything wrong with having two ways to do the same thing. I’m just curious as to why really, I’m sure you have a good reason and I’m sure there are many reasons for doing this, one being to have a variable for your running head, I suppose. I feel I have asked and answered my own question.
The reason I have the chapter number variable at the front of the chapters is that I also use a chapter number variable in the running heads.
That chapter number variable is not in its own paragraph.
But even if I used a numbered list across documents, I still wouldn’t be able to get the word “Chapter” in the TOC entry.
Yes, you know what I was thinking. Autonumber for the chapter. Then character style for the autonumber. Then a variable in the running head to pick up the character style. But I already figured out months ago that the character style won’t be picked up as a variable if it’s an autonumber.
By all means, I know that the Chapter No. Variable is the correct way to do it and I wasn’t insinuating otherwise.
And the goal was to put text in before the text in the ToC, which you have done and I can’t find another way to do it. So well done, very clever.
Sandee, thank you for this neat idea — you’re a smart cookie!
Sandee, you’re absolutely right for your book; great points. But I wanted to make sure we at least mentioned the Chapter Number variable in the discussion, as many people don’t know it exists.
Perhaps variables need a special mention. They are new and they are awesome.
I’m new to CS3 (and long docs) trying to layout a small magazine which will have future issues updated and completed by the editor using my template. Ads and number of pages will vary each issue. I’m exploring the TOC hoping to have pages updated automatically. I’d like to have page numbers listed first, followed by a colored vertical bar (leader) then the feature title. I’ll also have an advertisers’ index which will include the page numbers of where their ads are placed. Can anyone direct me a bit on this? I’m a little fish in a big pond here, but at least I know this is a great pond to be in:)
This is a little off topic, but I’m in a bind. I need to figure out a way to fix my numbering. My TOC/ numbering scheme is perfect except for a section that skips from 1 to 3. No 2 in sight. When I look at it in story editor, it also shows that it’s missing. I’ve gone to every Indesign Forum looking for help but I’m at a loss. If you could give me any hints, I would really appreciate it.
I’m using ID3 and I’m having ID automatically generate the TOC.
Level 1 (at C.) says continue from previous, restart numbering.(paragraph styles-bullets and numbering)
Level 2 (at 1) says continues from previous, restart numbering. (paragraph styles-bullets and numbering)(I just right clicked on it to restart numbering and nothing changed.
Level 3 (at a) has continue from previous, restart numbering, with a right click override to start at a.
Level 3 (at b) has continue from previous, restart numbering.)
Level 2 (at 3) has continue from previous, restart numbering. If I right clicked it, it says restart numbering.
Traci