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

In Microsoft Word, the Bullets and Numbering feature can be used to align and number text in a document. It is, however, best used in documents with conventional or simple numbering. If you have a simple list within your document that a simple a, b,c, or 1,2,3 would work, then Word’s bullet and numbering feature is for you. Word can automatically update these and even turned into a multi-level list.

However, if you are working with unconventional numbering similar to what you have in law texts, consider numbering with sequence fields. Microsoft Word has a sequencing field (SEQ Field) feature that allows you to define the type of numbering you want. Here’s how to use the SEQ Field Code in Microsoft Word.

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, in the case of creating unconventional numbered lists, this requires inserting a field code. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Click the Start button on the Taskbar and type word to search for the app.

Step 2: From the results, click on the Microsoft Word app or document to open it.

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: From the drop-down select, the Field option to launch the Field dialog box.

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

Step 8: In the Advanced Field Properties section, type a unique identifier beside the SEQ in the Field Codes text box. For example, SEQ uniquelist.

Step 9: At the bottom left of the Field dialog box, click the Options button to launch the Field Options text box.

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

Step 11: Click Add to Field.

Step 12: In the Field codes textbox, add the preferred number which you would like the sequence to start from. 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 you need to 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 would like 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: From the drop-down select, the Field option to launch the Field dialog box.

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

Step 6: In the Advanced Field Properties section, type a unique identifier beside the SEQ in the Field Codes text box. For example, SEQ uniquelist.

Step 7: At the bottom left of the Field dialog box, click the Options button to launch the Field Options text 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 look like this ‘SEQ uniquelist\n’.

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, and this will launch the Field dialog box where you can make your changes.

Import Styles From a Word Document

If you want to save time when working with a Word document, you can always create a template and reuse it across multiple documents. You can also import the style used in a previous document into a new one.