How it works
With numbering on, every heading and paragraph in the template gets a number in the left margin. Headings define the sections. The paragraphs beneath them are numbered as clauses within that section.
The numbers are drawn by the editor, not typed into the text. Move a section, delete a clause or insert a paragraph in the middle, and everything below renumbers.
Turn numbering on or off
Open the template in the Template Builder.
In the editor toolbar, switch Numbering on or off.
The setting applies to the whole template, for everyone editing it, and is saved with the template. Turning numbering off hides the numbers but keeps your headings, clauses and indentation, so you can turn it back on later and get the same numbers.
How numbers are assigned
Headings create sections. Top-level headings count 1., 2., 3. A smaller heading inside a section becomes a subsection: the first subheading under section 2 is 2.1, the next is 2.2. You can start with any heading size. The first heading in the document is always 1.
Paragraphs become clauses. A paragraph is numbered under the closest heading above it. Under heading 3.2, paragraphs count 3.2.1, 3.2.2 and so on. To nest a clause one level deeper, place the cursor at the start of the line and press Tab. Press Shift + Tab to move it back out.
What is never numbered
The title, and any paragraphs between the title and the first heading.
Empty lines. Blank paragraphs never take a number or shift the count. While your cursor is on a blank line, its number is shown so you can see where you are.
Bullet lists, numbered lists, tables, page breaks and internal notes. These keep their own formatting.
Blocks you have excluded from numbering (see below).
Hidden optional sections. Numbering always matches the finished document, so switching an optional section off renumbers everything after it.
Adjust a single block
Hover over a line. A ⋮ handle appears in the left margin.
Click the handle to open the block menu.
Choose an option:
Increase indent / Decrease indent – nest the clause deeper or shallower. Same as Tab / Shift + Tab.
Disable numbering here – take this block out of the numbering. The rest of the document closes the gap. Use this for a preamble, a quote or a signature line in the middle of numbered content.
Delete – remove the block.
To change several lines at once, select them first. The block menu then applies your choice to all of them.
Keyboard shortcuts
Keys | Result |
Tab at the start of a line | Indent the clause one level deeper |
Shift + Tab | Outdent one level |
Backspace at the start of an indented line | Outdent one level before deleting anything |
Enter at the end of an indented clause | New clause at the same level |
Enter on an empty indented line | Reset the line to the left margin |
Tab in the middle of a line | Insert a regular tab stop, no renumbering |
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't this line have a number? The line is empty, sits between the title and the first heading, is part of a list or table, or numbering was disabled for it in the block menu. Open ⋮ and untick Disable numbering here to bring the number back.
Why did some paragraphs turn into 1.a, 1.b? Their section also contains subheadings. Headings keep the numeric numbers and loose paragraphs switch to letters so both can coexist. If you want 1.1, 1.2 instead, turn those subheadings into paragraphs, or move the loose text under a subheading.
Do the numbers appear in the finished document? Yes. The document your recipients receive and sign shows the same numbering you see in the editor.
How is this different from a Numbered List? A Numbered List is a block you insert for short enumerations. It numbers its own items independently. Automatic numbering works on the document itself – headings and paragraphs – and skips lists. Use lists for items inside a clause. Use automatic numbering for the clauses.
How deep can I nest? Up to 10 indent levels.
Plan requirements
This feature is available on all our plans.