Is there a way to automate multiple numbers on a single page in Publisher?

[Wayne Burrows]

Hi All,

I have Master pages that I would like to automate sequential-numbering in 4 different locations on each page. I need the numbering to be sequential throughout a full set of pages. is there a way for this to be done?

Or what would be the best way of accomplishing this if it can't be done that way?

Thanks!

WB

[walt.farrell]

You should also be able to do it using the Bullet and Numbering settings of a Paragraph Text Style. But to be sure I'd like to see an examine if what you want as the result.

[Wayne Burrows]

1 hour ago, walt.farrell said:

You should also be able to do it using the Bullet and Numbering settings of a Paragraph Text Style. But to be sure I'd like to see an examine if what you want as the result.

I was actually thinking that I should be able to get this done via the Bullet and Numbering setup but I haven't figured out how to work that all out yet.

[Old Bruce]

I would set up my Master Page like this. Just make sure that the Paragraph style has its flow options set to be Starting in the next frame.

[Wayne Burrows]

18 minutes ago, Old Bruce said:

I would set up my Master Page like this. Just make sure that the Paragraph style has its flow options set to be Starting in the next frame.

 

Okay. I know that it can be done now. I'll get my research going and start digging into how exactly to set this up. Because right now, I don't have a clue. 😅

Thanks @Old Bruce 👍

[walt.farrell]

Thanks, Wayne.

Here's a sample V2.1 .afpub file that implements something similar. It has the Text Frames for the solution headings set up on a Master Page, using a Paragraph Text Style that uses Bullets and Numbering with a global number set up to provide the header text and the sequential number.

There was one trick in generating this. I had to use Edit Detached on page 1 and in the Paragraph panel, Bullets and Numbering, I had to click Restart Numbering Now. Otherwise, page 1 started at number 5.

The text frames for these headings are not linked, and there is no actual text in any of them.

numbering.afpub

[Wayne Burrows]

18 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

Thanks, Wayne.

Here's a sample V2.1 .afpub file that implements something similar

I'll begin my deep dive into this and navigate my way through it.

Greatly Appreciated @walt.farrell

[Wayne Burrows]

4 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

using a Paragraph Text Style that uses Bullets and Numbering with a global number set up to provide the header text and the sequential number.

Hey @walt.farrell, I'm closing in on the finish line. Just have a couple of things that I'm not sure on.

1- The way in which I set up the framed text fields and 2- the way that each one populates as I'm constructing them.

PS - I did not have to use 'Edit Detached' nor did I have to check the box for 'Restart numbering now'. Why? I couldn't tell ya. Each page within my test document populated properly with all of the solution numbers sequentially intact. (after I reordered them on page 1) And I just searched for 'Edit Detached' within the Paragraph panel and I'm unable to locate it. I'm familiar with 'Edit Detached' within the 'Layers' panel but nowhere else as of yet.

[walt.farrell]

First, regarding Edit Detached: that's only in the Layers panel. I needed to use Edit Detached for the Master on Page 1 and restart the numbering. You probably didn't need that because you stated with page 1 on the left side.

Getting the numbering to appear: All you should need to do is create the Text Frame, then set its Paragraph Style on the Context Toolbar.

Ordering: As with many aspects of Affinity work, the layer order in the Layers panel controls things. For any Spread, the Text Frame lowest in the layer stack (Layers panel) will have the lowest number. The next higher frame will have a number that is higher by 1. Etc. So it will depend what order you drew the Frames on the Master Page. 

[Wayne Burrows]

18 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

I had to use Edit Detached on page 1 and in the Paragraph panel,

I completely misread what you wrote. (I blame it on sleepiness)

You were spot on with the Edit Detached as well. I didn't need to because I started on the left page.

I went back through everything this morning and as you can see in the video, I found a way (actually inadvertently tripped across it) to number the fields in numerical order as I go. They're still 'bottom to top within the Layers panel of course, but I don't have to bother with repositioning them on the pages any longer.

**- I believe I just have one last question on this here... I would like to adjust the tracking between certain letters but I haven't been able to figure out how to do that yet. I'm unable to click directly into the text boxes and I don't see a way of doing this within the Edit Text Style window either.

 

[walt.farrell]

4 minutes ago, Wayne Burrows said:

**- I believe I just have one last question on this here... I would like to adjust the tracking between certain letters but I haven't been able to figure out how to do that yet. I'm unable to click directly into the text boxes and I don't see a way of doing this within the Edit Text Style window either.

I think you may mean Kerning, not Tracking. 

But as far as I know that won't be possible. As you've noticed, you can't select that text; it's a fixed value assigned from the Bullets and Numbering options, with no further control except for adjustments via the Text Style.

[Wayne Burrows]

31 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

I think you may mean Kerning, not Tracking.

That is what I was thinking initially and so I went into the Character panel just to make sure I knew what I was talking about 🤣 and it is indeed Tracking. When you highlight/choose the character that you want to adjust, the following space adjusts accordingly. I tried Kerning specific letters, It remained on auto and wouldn't allow me to change the value.

But ok, I got it. I'll have to live with that then. I think I'll manage. 😉

[carl123]

33 minutes ago, Wayne Burrows said:

**- I believe I just have one last question on this here... I would like to adjust the tracking between certain letters but I haven't been able to figure out how to do that yet. I'm unable to click directly into the text boxes and I don't see a way of doing this within the Edit Text Style window either.

Set up a normal piece of text on a page exactly how you want it to appear.

Use the Text > Insert > Spaces & Tabs options to add (micro) spaces between the letters, that need adjusting, to give you your required "kerning".

Copy this text and paste it to the Text field of your Bullet style

 

It should maintain those extra spaces you added, between letters, above

[Wayne Burrows]

18 minutes ago, carl123 said:

Set up a normal piece of text on a page exactly how you want it to appear

Will do! 👍

[R C-R]

8 hours ago, Wayne Burrows said:

I tried Kerning specific letters, It remained on auto and wouldn't allow me to change the value.

Try setting the text cursor between 2 characters.

[Wayne Burrows]

53 minutes ago, R C-R said:

Try setting the text cursor between 2 characters.

Yes, I tried that first. It wouldn't work for me. I believe it's due to what @carl123& @walt.farrell alluded to - It's one of the functions that's constrained/restricted within 'Text Styles'. That's what I've concluded anyway.