Select Type > Paragraph Styles.
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to create multi-level lists in Adobe InDesign using paragraph styles to show a clear hierarchy with numbering and indentation.
Use a multi-level list to show hierarchical relationships between paragraphs. These lists use numbering and indentation to show rank and relationships among items. To create a multi-level list, define a list and create a paragraph style for each level. Assign all styles to the same defined list, then set the numbering and paragraph formatting for each style.
Create paragraph styles for each level
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Paragraph Style.
Enter a name for the style.
Select a base style from the Based On drop-down menu if one exists for higher levels, or select No Paragraph Style or Basic Paragraph.
Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.
Select Numbers from the List Type drop-down menu.
Select a defined list from the List drop-down menu or choose New List and define one if needed.
Enter the level number in the Level field to indicate which list level the style controls.
Select a numbering format from the Format drop-down menu.
Define the number format in the Number field by entering or selecting meta characters.
Select OK.
Include numbering from higher levels
Select Type > Paragraph Styles.
Double-click the paragraph style you want to modify.
Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.
Place the cursor at the start of the Number field.
Select the arrow icon, then select Insert Number Placeholder, and choose the level number that you want to include.
Enter a caret (^) followed by the level number (for example, ^1) to include higher-level numbering.
Select OK.
Control numbering behavior
Select Type > Paragraph Styles.
Double-click the paragraph style you want to modify.
Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.
Create a number expression by entering punctuation, metacharacters, or special characters in the Number field.
Select Restart Numbers at This Level After to restart numbering at 1 when a paragraph at this level follows a higher level.
Deselect the option to continue numbering at this level throughout the list.
Enter a level number or range (such as 2–4) to restart numbering after specific levels.
Select OK.
Adjust indentation
Select Type > Paragraph Styles.
Double-click the paragraph style you want to modify.
Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.
Set indentation using options in the Bullet or Number Position section.
Indent lower-level items farther than higher-level items to clearly show hierarchy.
Select OK.
Restart numbering within the same story
When working with numbered steps, you may want numbering to restart within the same story. To avoid manually restarting numbering, create a second style that matches the Level 1 style.
Select Type > Paragraph Styles.
Double-click the paragraph style you want to modify.
Select Bullets and Numbering in the left panel.
Set Mode to Start At and enter 1.
Name the style. For example, Level 1 Restart.
Select OK.
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