How do I indent numbered headings consistently?

Question

I am using cascading numbered headings (chapter 1, chapter 1.1, chapter 1.2, chapter 1.2.1, etc) in Google Docs. I would like to format these so that they're all aligned with the left margin of the document.

Like this:

Unfortunately, by default, lower-level headings are always indented to the right (e.g. a second-level heading like "chapter 1.2" has a left indent of 1.9 cm). Additionally, the only way to create lower-level headings (e.g. "chapter 1.1.2") is through the increase indent button, which indents that heading even further to the left. In other words, it looks like this:

I can only move individual headings "manually" (i.e. select an existing heading, and changing its indentation - either through moving the markers in the ruler, or through Format --> Align --> Indentation options). If I create a new heading further down the document, or modify an existing heading (by, for example, changing its heading level from 1.2 to 1.2.1, by using the increase/decrease indent buttons), then that heading reverts back to its default indentation (further to the left than I would like).

I have tried updating the heading style (by aligning a heading as above, and then updating that heading's style through Format --> Paragraph style --> Heading <X> --> Update heading to match, but it has no effect.

Is there a way to set up a Google Docs document so that:

• All numbered headings are aligned with the left margin (left indent = 0) by default?
• That left indent doesn't change when I change a heading's level (i.e. change "chapter 2" to "chapter 2.1")?

Answer 1

Is there a way to set up a Google Docs document so that:

• All numbered headings are aligned with the left margin (left indent = 0) by default?
• That left indent doesn't change when I change a heading's level (i.e. change "chapter 2" to "chapter 2.1")?

Short Answer

No there is not. Workaround at end.

Explanation

This issue isn't about "heading" styles. It is about how "numbered lists" are managed. Number lists are hierarchical and that hierarchy defines how the list is numbered, and how it is updated when changes are made.

The heading styles are irrelevant to that. You may be applying heading styles to a numbered list but those styles still remain independent of the list.

For example,

1. If you were to add some text to your document outside of a list, then apply a heading style using the menu, the text you styled would not automatically become part of an existing or new list. [examples below the line in screenshot]
2. You could have a numbered list and mix-and-match the heading styles between different levels, and even within the same level. [examples above the line in screenshot]
   
   Examples
   

Workaround

You will have to forgo Docs automatically managing the numbering of your headings, in favor of Docs automatically styling them the way you want.

Instructions:

1. In the "Tools" menu select "Preferences"
2. Uncheck "Automatically detect lists"
3. Update your heading styles as desired
4. Manually number your headings
   
   Example of Workaround