Numbering instructions
Give each instruction a number so it is easy to refer to in a conversation.
Number lines
Number all the lines of a text by choosing the starting number and the separator, then copy the result ready to reuse in a document or a message.
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Starting number
Numbered lines
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How does this tool work?
Automatically add a number at the start of every line of a text. Customise the first number and the separator to suit the layout you want, then copy the result.
The tool adds a numeric prefix to every line, empty lines included. The sequence starts at 1 by default and uses a full stop followed by a space. You can change the starting number and the separator. Line breaks are normalised, but the text of each line is not rewritten. The starting number can be 0 or negative; if the field is empty or invalid, numbering starts at 1. Remove empty lines before numbering if they should not get a number. Automatic numbering is especially useful when lines need to be referred to in a discussion, a review or a working document. A “1.” prefix suits an ordinary ordered list, while a separator such as “-” or “:” may work better for a technical log. Choose the separator before copying the result, because it becomes part of the text. The sequence is applied line by line, so an empty line also gets a number. That can help to pinpoint an exact position in a document, but it is awkward if you only want to number non-empty items; in that case, remove empty lines first. Spaces and line content are not corrected: a typo or unusual indentation stays after the prefix. To continue the numbering of an existing list, enter the matching starting number. After converting, check the first lines, the last number in the sequence and any blank lines. Keep the unnumbered version if you may reorder the items later. If you are preparing cross-references, avoid changing the order of the lines without regenerating the numbers, or references may point to the wrong items. For a list that changes often, keep an unnumbered version and add numbers only when you share or export it.
How to use this tool
Paste the text
Put the lines to number in the field.
Set the prefix
Choose a starting number and the separator you want.
Check the sequence
Look at how empty lines are numbered, then copy the result.
Use cases
Locating items
Number inventory lines so you can cite a specific item.
Preparing a questionnaire
Add a consistent sequence to a list of questions you have already written.
Examples
Numbering two lines
Input
A
BResult
1. A
2. BStarting at zero with a bracket
Starting number 0 and separator “) ”: handy for keeping number 0 for an introductory line.
Input
Introduction
Step A
Step BResult
0) Introduction
1) Step A
2) Step BTips and best practices
- Empty lines get a number too.
- To continue after an existing list, enter the next number directly, for example 12.
- The numbers become part of the exported text: if you reorder the lines, renumber them so no outdated references remain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start at zero?
Yes. Enter 0 as the starting number: the first line gets 0, the next 1, and so on. Negative numbers are accepted too.
Are empty lines numbered?
Yes, every line gets a number, even an empty one.
Can I change the separator?
Yes. The separator is inserted exactly as typed between the number and the text: “. ”, “) ”, “- ” or a pasted tab, for example.
Is the text rewritten?
No, only a prefix is added at the start of each line.
How do I avoid numbering empty lines?
Remove them before numbering, for example with the empty line remover.
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