Can InDesign CS6 automatically update figure and step numbers for consumer instruction revisions?

Question

Thanks in advance for any help with this!

I'm creating consumer instructions with many steps and associated graphics with corresponding figure numbers. For example, Step 6 refers to the graphic labeled Figure 6, etc.

My question is, when I have to add or delete a step in the future, can I make ID automatically update both the step and figure numbers to accommodate the change?

I'm working with Photoshop CS6 and placing graphics into ID--perhaps using a layer for the Figure numbers would be helpful?

I'm after something like what MS Word does when modifying bulleted and number lists.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes, just use the list numbering feature:

Paragraph Palette | fly-out menu | Bullets and Numbering...

List Type: Numbers

Create as many lists as are needed --- the rules for them re-setting takes some fiddling, but you can usually work things out.

You can also import a Word document w/ lists and use its paragraph styles.