Create Nested Outlines in LibreOffice Writer

Creating nested bulleted and numbered outlines in LibreOffice Writer allows you to organize complex documents with clear hierarchical structures. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of creating, nesting, and customizing multi-level outlines using keyboard shortcuts, the formatting toolbar, and advanced list settings.

Creating a Basic Multi-Level List

  1. Start the List: Click the Toggle Numbered List icon (F12) or the Toggle Bulleted List icon (Shift + F12) on the top formatting toolbar.
  2. Type the First Entry: Type your first item and press Enter to move to the next line.
  3. Demote to Create a Sub-level (Nest): Press the Tab key on your keyboard to indent the item to the next hierarchical level. Alternatively, click the Demote One Level icon on the List toolbar.
  4. Promote to Return to a Higher Level: When you want to move back up a level, press Shift + Tab at the beginning of the line, or click the Promote One Level icon.
  5. Exit the Outline: Press Enter twice on an empty list item to end the list and return to normal text formatting.

Applying Pre-Configured Outline Styles

LibreOffice Writer includes standard multi-level outline numbering templates (such as 1., 1.1., 1.1.1. or I., A., 1., a.):

  1. Highlight your existing list or place your cursor within the list.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Format > Bullets and Numbering.
  3. Click the Outline tab.
  4. Select your preferred outline numbering style from the preset options.
  5. Click OK to apply the style across all nested levels.

Customizing Individual Outline Levels

To fine-tune how specific levels appear (e.g., using Roman numerals for Level 1 and letters for Level 2):

  1. Open the Format > Bullets and Numbering dialog.
  2. Navigate to the Customize tab.
  3. In the Level pane on the left, select the specific level number you wish to modify (or select 1-10 to modify all levels simultaneously).
  4. Under the Numbering dropdown, choose your desired number format, bullet character, or letter style.
  5. Use the Before and After fields to add prefixes or suffixes (such as periods, brackets, or dashes).
  6. Adjust the Position tab settings to modify indentation width and tab-stop spacing for each individual level.
  7. Click OK to save your customized outline configuration.