Alignment of list numbers

[Joanne Curme]

Is it better that the numbers are right-aligned? This seems more of an
accounting requirement than a design one. With left alignment, the numerals
for either the single-digit steps or the double-digit steps do not line up
with the left margin grid. If, as in my template, the <n> step format aligns
with the body left paragraph margins, this means either the first step or
the last step (if it's double-digit) do not left-align with the introductory
or summarizing text.

I've tried this both ways in my docs. The only benefit to right-alignment is
that the gap between the step number and the step text stays consistent when
the steps go to two digits. With left-alignment, this means the single-digit
steps have a slightly wider gap than the double-digit steps. 

Steps in the printed FM docs left-align with the body text. It appears they
use an em-space after the number, because there is a consistent amount of
white space after the number -- the first line of step 10 is more indented
than lines 1-9, but by the same amount. (FM 7.0 UG, p 509) This seems to be
the format for <A> steps also (p 8). Subsequent lines in steps wrap back to
the left margin so there is not an issue with aligning to a hanging indent.

Whenever there are procedures with more than 9 steps (which can't be avoided
sometimes :) ), the longer numerals simply have to move to either the left
or the right. IMHO, it's more pleasing to the eye to maintain the left
margin grid. 

Joanne 



-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces+joanne=exeros.com at lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces+joanne=exeros.com at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of
Steve Rickaby
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 7:47 AM
To: framers at FrameUsers.com
Subject: Alignment of list numbers

On seeing some FrameMaker output, an experienced proofreader has commented
on the fact that for numbered lists that run into two digits, the numbers
are left-aligned, rather than right-aligned - the implication is that, for
example, '9' should be aligned above the '0' of '10'.

I must admit that this thought had not crossed my mind before, but of course
it's true. I've just checked a book set in Quark, and list numbers do indeed
right-align. As FrameMaker can only apply justification at the paragraph tag
level, and not at the character tag level, I cannot see a simple method of
achieving the desired alignment.

Does anyone have any ideas?
--
Steve
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