The AutoNum field numbers paragraphs sequentially. You cannot manually update an AutoNum field.
Important: This field is considered obsolete but is provided for compatibility with Microsoft Word 2000 or earlier versions. We recommend that you use the ListNum field instead of AutoNum when using versions of Word that are newer than Word 2016 for Windows or Mac, Word 2010, Word 2007, Word 2003, or Word 2002.
In paragraphs that are formatted with the built-in heading styles, Word restarts the numbering at 1 in each successive heading level. If headings that contain AutoNum fields are followed by body text paragraphs that also contain AutoNum fields, Word restarts the numbering of the body text at 1 after each heading. If the headings don't contain AutoNum fields, body text paragraphs that contain AutoNum fields are numbered in a continuous, sequential series throughout the document.
Note: The result of an AutoNum field isn't displayed if the field is nested within an If field.
A field codetells Word what to insert or provide to the document after determining the value of the field code, such as the current date or the number of pages. Usually, the resulting value is simply displayed as part of the document. You can toggle between viewing the result or viewing the field code by pressing Alt+F9 on Windows or fn+Option+F9 on Mac.
Syntax
When you view the AutoNum field code in your document, the syntax looks like this:
{ AUTONUM [Switches ] }
Switches
\s
Defines the separator character, which you place directly after the switch.
