Define and manage list options

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to define, edit, and manage numbered lists in Adobe InDesign to keep numbering consistent across stories, pages, and book documents.

Use defined lists to manage numbering across multiple paragraphs, stories, or documents in a book. Defined lists keep numbering sequences intact even when interrupted by other content, making them useful for multi-level outlines, running lists, or mixed content that require separate numbering.
If list items appear in unthreaded text frames on the same page, InDesign numbers them in the order the frames were added. To change the order, cut and paste the text frames in the desired sequence.

Define a list

Go to 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 menu.

Select a defined list from the List menu or select New List and define one.

Select OK.

Note

Some lists are created automatically. For example, when you import a numbered list from a Microsoft Word document, InDesign automatically defines the list for you.

Edit a defined list

Select Type > Bulleted & Numbered Lists > Define Lists.

Select the list, then select Edit.

Enter a new name for the list or change your selection of continue numbers options.

Select OK twice. Paragraph styles that are assigned to the list are reassigned to the list under its new name.

Delete a defined list

Select Type > Bulleted & Numbered Lists > Define Lists.

Select the list to remove.

Select Delete.

Select a different list, or the [Default] list, to replace your list.

Select OK.