Create a running list with paragraph styles

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to create running lists in Adobe InDesign using paragraph styles to keep bullets or numbers consistent across content, stories, or documents.

Create a running list that continues across interruptions, stories, or documents by using a paragraph style. Define the list within the style, then apply the style to each paragraph you want included, like using a Tables style to maintain a continuous list of table names.

Define the list

Select Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles.

Select the panel menu icon, then select New Paragraph Style.

Enter a name for the style.

Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.

Select Bullets or Numbers from the List Type drop-down menu.

For Numbers, select a defined list from the List menu, or select New List and define.

Select OK.

Create the paragraph list

Select Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles.

Select the panel menu icon, then select New Paragraph Style.

Enter a name for the style.

Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.

Specify the bullet or numbering characteristics.

Adjust indent spacing in the Bullet or Number Position section. For example, to create a hanging indent, type 2p for Left Indent and 2p for First Line Indent.

Specify any additional paragraph formatting options and select OK.

Apply style to the content

Select the paragraphs that you want to include in the running list.

Select Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles.

Select the paragraph style created for the running list to apply it to the selected paragraphs.

Apply the same paragraph style to additional paragraphs that should continue the running list. InDesign treats all styled paragraphs as one continuous list, even when they’re separated by other text or placed in different stories or documents.

Paragraph Styles panel showing bullets and numbering options used to create a running list in Adobe InDesign. — Create a running list by applying a paragraph style to keep numbering or bullets continuous.

Create the paragraph style:

Specify the bullet or numbering characteristics.
Adjust indent spacing in the Bullet or Number Position section.

For example, to create a hanging indent, type 2p for Left Indent and ‑2p for First Line Indent.

Specify any additional paragraph formatting options and select OK.

Apply the style to the content:

Apply the paragraph style to each paragraph that should be part of the running list.

InDesign treats all styled paragraphs as one continuous list, even when they’re separated by other text or placed in different stories or documents.

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