If automatic numbering in Microsoft Word drives you nutty, then you need Snapnumbers from the folks at Snapdone.

Snapnumbers is a free Word add-in that allows you to number paragraphs naturally without regard to Word styles or the underlying format of your document.

What does this mean?  In the legal profession, we often apply multiple levels of numbering in the same document.  We need the flexibility to move from one numbering scheme to the next and back again without Word’s interference.  We also expect our numbering schemes to remain sequential.  Unfortunately, Word is rarely cooperative with these transitions.  In fact, many users end up numbering documents manually out of frustration.

All of this can be avoided as the folks from Snapdone explain:

Simply type text normally — tabbing, indenting, and formatting as desired —  then when you want to insert a Snapnumber choose Level 1 through Level 9 from the Snapnumbers menu (or use a shortcut keystroke).  [See the examples here.]

The full version of Snapnumbers allows you to easily insert symbols ( ™ © ¶ § and others),  create custom numbering schemes, and build an automated table of contents.

My thoughts?  Download the free version and give it a trial run.  If you like it, the full version at $20 per license is cheap.  While you’re at the Snapdone, be sure to check out TheFormTool,  Snapdone‘s incredibly easy documentation automation for Word.  The basic version is free.  The advanced version is $89.  To learn more about TheFormTool, check out “Using TheFormTool in Your Law Practice” on the PLF Web site > Programs on CD/DVD.

All Rights Reserved – Beverly Michaelis – 2013