OS X Pages - set up shortcut, macro, or Quicksilver trigger
I am using Pages for a document that is formatted with many sections, with each section looking like this:
BOLD HEADING IN LARGER FONT
1. point-one
2. point-two
a. sub-point
I am frequently inserting new sections in the document. Note that the intent is to always restart each sections points with the number 1.
I have styles set up that makes this pretty easy to manage, with one exception. That is, every time I create a new section, and start at the place in the above example shown as "1. point-one", instead of starting the numbering at 1 as shown, the numbering continues from where it left off at the previous section. That is, it might look like this:
BOLD HEADING IN LARGER FONT
8. point-one
9. point-two
a. sub-point
Pages has the ability to define a "following style." However it lacks the ability when it is a numbered list, to also set the "restart numbering at" attribute. What I would really like is for some way to enable this. However, I do not believe this is possible.
So my second choice is to have a workaround that is better than my current workaround. The current workaround is the following multi-keystoke sequence: open the Inspector if not open, change to the Text panel if not open, click on "Start at".
I am really looking for a single-keystroke that would be able to change the "Start at" option.
As a point of interest, the same issue exists in Microsoft Word. However, there is a solution, but it is quite elaborate to set up and involves features not present in Pages. The Word solution is really obscure because Word 2003 has infuriating bugs in its implementation of numbered lists, and the solution not only needs to handle the restarting of numbering, but prevent the lists from becoming hopeless mangled. But that solution once implemented is quite bulletproof. In any case, this "point of interest" is beside the point.
BOLD HEADING IN LARGER FONT
1. point-one
2. point-two
a. sub-point
I am frequently inserting new sections in the document. Note that the intent is to always restart each sections points with the number 1.
I have styles set up that makes this pretty easy to manage, with one exception. That is, every time I create a new section, and start at the place in the above example shown as "1. point-one", instead of starting the numbering at 1 as shown, the numbering continues from where it left off at the previous section. That is, it might look like this:
BOLD HEADING IN LARGER FONT
8. point-one
9. point-two
a. sub-point
Pages has the ability to define a "following style." However it lacks the ability when it is a numbered list, to also set the "restart numbering at" attribute. What I would really like is for some way to enable this. However, I do not believe this is possible.
So my second choice is to have a workaround that is better than my current workaround. The current workaround is the following multi-keystoke sequence: open the Inspector if not open, change to the Text panel if not open, click on "Start at".
I am really looking for a single-keystroke that would be able to change the "Start at" option.
As a point of interest, the same issue exists in Microsoft Word. However, there is a solution, but it is quite elaborate to set up and involves features not present in Pages. The Word solution is really obscure because Word 2003 has infuriating bugs in its implementation of numbered lists, and the solution not only needs to handle the restarting of numbering, but prevent the lists from becoming hopeless mangled. But that solution once implemented is quite bulletproof. In any case, this "point of interest" is beside the point.
ASKER
Thank you for your quick response.
Unfortunately, it does not address the question, but rather gives instructions on how to use the various features.
Unfortunately, it does not address the question, but rather gives instructions on how to use the various features.
would putting new lists in new boxes be a pain.
What version of pages are you running?
What version of pages are you running?
ASKER
4.0.2
Please note - the one-keystroke solution is all I am hoping for.
Please note - the one-keystroke solution is all I am hoping for.
Have you looked at QuickKeys (http://startly.com/products/quickeys/mac/4/) or Automator to record/perform the keystroke sequence?
The Automator "Watch Me Do" function (under Utilities) can record a sequence of keystrokes.
The Automator "Watch Me Do" function (under Utilities) can record a sequence of keystrokes.
ASKER
I have Quicksilver installed and I would think that might be able to do it. As a result of your comment, I played briefly with Automator, but it was not too smooth. I would probably need to build up more familiarity with the use of this tool to get it right.
After creating a simple "watch me do" script, I had the following problems with automator:
1. You can click on the Inspector button in pages, but if it is already open, that closes it, and thus the rest of the procedure will not work.
2. Some issue with a variable <fill in title>.
3. Got some error messages and funny behavior.
Not that I really tried it enough to get over these issues, but that might have to wait until I have some time.
After creating a simple "watch me do" script, I had the following problems with automator:
1. You can click on the Inspector button in pages, but if it is already open, that closes it, and thus the rest of the procedure will not work.
2. Some issue with a variable <fill in title>.
3. Got some error messages and funny behavior.
Not that I really tried it enough to get over these issues, but that might have to wait until I have some time.
I'd recommend a close as there are answers although not as the Asker may wish.
He acknowledges that his requirement is a function not available in Pages by default.
The ONLY way to achieve it is using some form of keystroke recorder either QuickKeys, Automator or an AppleScript.
Unfortunately I don't have time to troubleshoot his Automator Script ..
Below is a short AppleScript that will click the relevant radio button.
It assumes that the Inspector is Open, that it is already displaying the Text tab and the Lists subsection ..
He could save this script and run it within Automator or directly within Pages via a key command.
If jasimon9 wants the script to check if the Inspector is open .. switch to the Text Tab and Lists subsection then the script will clearly be more complex.
He acknowledges that his requirement is a function not available in Pages by default.
The ONLY way to achieve it is using some form of keystroke recorder either QuickKeys, Automator or an AppleScript.
Unfortunately I don't have time to troubleshoot his Automator Script ..
Below is a short AppleScript that will click the relevant radio button.
It assumes that the Inspector is Open, that it is already displaying the Text tab and the Lists subsection ..
He could save this script and run it within Automator or directly within Pages via a key command.
If jasimon9 wants the script to check if the Inspector is open .. switch to the Text Tab and Lists subsection then the script will clearly be more complex.
tell application "Pages"
activate
end tell
tell application "System Events"
tell process "Pages"
click radio button "Start at:" of radio group 1 of group 1 of tab group 1 of group 1 of window "Text"
end tell
end tell
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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To add a new topic at the current indent level, press Return.
To create an unnumbered paragraph within a topic, press Return while holding down the Shift key.
To enter a new topic at the next lower indent level, press Tab. To enter a new topic at the next higher level, press Shift-Tab. You can also click and hold a number, and then drag to the right, to the left, down and to the right, or down and to the left.
To return to regular text at the end of your list, press Return and choose No Bullets from the Bullets & Numbering pop-up menu. You may also need to adjust the indent level.
To add an existing paragraph to a numbered list, click the paragraph, choose a numbering style, and click Continue from previous.
To start a new numbered sequence in a list, click Start at and specify the number you want the sequence to begin with.
If you want items in your list to have labeled subtopics (like in an outline), use an ordered list instead of a numbered list.
To learn about modifying list styles or creating your own list style, see Modifying and Creating New List Styles.