How to Use the SEQ Field Code to Number a Word Document

Key Takeaways 

• On Microsoft Word, you can customize a numbered list by using a unique identifier with the SEQ code.
• Once the first number is inserted, you can use the SEQ code again with the same unique identifier but a different switch, “\n,” instead of “\r,” to continue the numbering sequence.
• Use Edit Field if you need to edit the numbering.

How to Insert an SEQ Field in Microsoft Word

In Microsoft Word, starting a simple numbered list requires typing a number, a period, and some text afterward. With this, Word will automatically start a numbered list for you. However, creating unconventional numbered lists requires inserting a field code. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Open the desired document.

Step 3: Place your cursor in the document you would like to insert numbering.

Step 4: On the Word Ribbon, click the Insert tab.

Step 5: Within the Text group, click the Quick Parts drop-down.

Step 6: Select the Field option from the drop-down to launch the Field dialog box.

Step 7: In the Field names section, select Seq.

Step 8: In the Advanced Field Properties section, in the Field Codes text box, type a unique identifier besides the SEQ, such as the SEQ unique list.

Step 9: Click the Options button to launch the Field Options text box at the bottom left of the Field dialog box.

Step 10: Click the Field Specific Switches tab and click \r from the Switches option.

Step 11: Click Add to Field.

Step 12: Add the preferred number from which you would like the sequence to start in the Field codes textbox. For example, SEQ uniquelist\r 1

Step 13: Click OK to return to the Field dialog box.

Step 14: Click OK to insert the field code into your Word document.

The new number will be inserted in your Word document. However, to create a sequence, repeat some of the steps above.

How to Create a Number Sequence in Microsoft Word

After inserting your first SEQ Field, you can create a sequence. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Place your cursor in the document where you want to continue the sequence.

Step 2: On the Word Ribbon, click the Insert tab.

Step 3: Within the Text group, click the Quick Parts drop-down.

Step 4: Select the Field option from the drop-down to launch the Field dialog box.

Step 5: In the Field names section, select Seq.

Step 6: In the Advanced Field Properties section, in the Field Codes text box, type a unique identifier besides the SEQ, such as the SEQ unique list.

Step 7: Click the Options button to launch the Field Options text box at the bottom left of the Field dialog box.

Step 8: Click the Field Specific Switches tab and click \n from the Switches option.

Step 9: Click Add to Field, and the Field codes text box should read SEQ uniquelist.

Step 10: Click OK to return to the Field dialog box.

Step 11: Click OK to insert the field code into your Word document.

The next number in the sequence should be inserted into your document after following the above steps. Repeat the steps to get the next number in the sequence.

How to Edit a Number Sequence in Microsoft Word

If you would like to edit a sequence, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Highlight the sequence start within your Word document. If you are not sure of the location of the sequence, click the Alt + F9 keyboard shortcut, then highlight the start of the sequence.

Step 2: After highlighting the sequence, right-click it.

Step 3: From the options shown, select Edit Field. This will launch the Field dialog box, where you can make your changes.