How to use the outline numbering converter
- Paste an indented list: one item per line, with sub-items indented (spaces or a tab) under their parent.
- Choose a numbering style: legal (I., A., 1., a., (1)), decimal (1., 1.1, 1.1.1) or letters (A., 1., a.).
- Choose how far to indent each level in the result and whether to remove old bullets and numbers.
- Copy the numbered outline or download it.
A paper outline in two styles
The starting list has four top-level items and sub-items under Introduction, Methods and Participants. In legal style it becomes I. Introduction, then A. Background and B. Purpose, then II. Methods with A. Participants and under it 1. Recruitment and 2. Consent, B. Materials, then III. Results and IV. Discussion.
In decimal style the same list reads 1. Introduction, 1.1 Background, 2. Methods, 2.1 Participants and 2.1.1 Consent. A top-level item ends with a period and deeper numbers do not, which is the common way to write them. Blank lines in the list are kept, and old markers such as "- " or "1) " are removed when that option is on.
How levels are decided
A line is a deeper level when it is indented more than the line before it. A tab counts as four spaces. When indentation goes back, the line joins the nearest earlier level at or below its indent. An uneven indent, such as a line indented 6 spaces among others at 4, still becomes a level of its own and does not break the outline. Only the order and relative indentation matter, not how many spaces you use.
Counters restart under each new parent, so every group is numbered from one again. The result is plain text with the indentation you choose, so it pastes cleanly into a document or an email.
Choosing a style
Legal outline numbering uses Roman numerals, capital letters, numbers, small letters and then numbers in parentheses, in that order, and repeats after seven levels. It is common in academic papers and contracts. Decimal numbering shows the full path of each item and is easier to refer to ("see 2.1.1"). Letters style uses fewer symbols and suits short outlines. To draft an essay from your outline, see the Essay Outline Generator. For other list work, use the Text Line Tools, the Checklist Maker and the Number to Words Converter.
Assumptions and limits
- Roman numerals are used up to 3999. Beyond that, the plain number is shown.
- Up to 20,000 lines are accepted. Everything runs in your browser.
- Removing old markers strips a leading dash, star, bullet, number or single letter followed by a period or parenthesis.
- Text after the marker is left exactly as written, apart from trailing spaces.
Frequently asked questions
How many levels can I use?
As many as your list needs. Legal style cycles through its seven kinds of marker, and the other styles repeat after three. A deep list is clearer in decimal style.
Does it matter how many spaces I use?
No. Only the relative depth matters. Two spaces, four spaces or a tab all work as long as a sub-item is indented more than its parent.
What happens to blank lines?
They are kept as blank lines and do not reset the numbering, so you can group items with a gap and the numbers keep counting.
Can I number from a different start?
No. Every outline starts at 1, I or A. Edit the first marker in the result if you need a different start.