Document Editing Problems

How to Fix Word Figure Numbering Restarting with INCLUDETEXT Fields

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to maintain continuous sequential figure numbering across a main document that imports multiple source documents via INCLUDETEXT fields.

How to Fix Word Figure Numbering Restarting with INCLUDETEXT Fields

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Compiling a master document from several source documents using INCLUDETEXT fields and attempting to update figure captions.
Observed behavior: Figure captions (SEQ fields) restart at one within each included text section instead of maintaining sequential numbering throughout the main document.

Before you start

Ensure you create a backup of your main document before modifying or unlinking fields, as unlinking permanently converts dynamic INCLUDETEXT content into plain text.

Solution 1Recommended

Update All Fields Sequentially in the Main Document

Updating all fields simultaneously from within the main document often forces the SEQ fields to recognize the continuous numbering structure.

When source documents are pulled into the main document, they sometimes retain their internal numbering sequence. Forcing a global update recalibrates the SEQ fields.

Open the Main Document

Open the main document that contains all the inserted INCLUDETEXT fields.

Select the Entire Document

Press Ctrl+A on your keyboard to select all text and fields within the document.

Update Fields

Press the F9 key to update all fields. Check if your figure captions now follow a continuous sequence.

Update All Fields Sequentially in the Main Document

Solution 2

Unlink INCLUDETEXT Fields Before Updating

If you no longer need the imported content to automatically update from the source documents, unlinking the fields will convert them to ordinary text, preventing sequence resets.

Advanced Document Editing

Manage Complex Master Documents Effortlessly with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers robust support for field codes, master documents, and sequential numbering, making it simple to manage figure captions without formatting errors.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open your master document containing the imported text.
2. Manage Field Codes: Navigate to the Insert tab and use the Field option to seamlessly manage INCLUDETEXT and SEQ formatting.
3. Update Document Numbering: Press Ctrl+A to highlight all content, then press F9 to perfectly sync all sequential numbering across your document.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formats and field codes like SEQ and INCLUDETEXT.Easily insert, manage, and unlink complex document fields using familiar keyboard shortcuts.Free, lightweight, and user-friendly interface for seamless document compiling and editing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an INCLUDETEXT field?

An INCLUDETEXT field is a dynamic code used in a Word document to import and display text or graphics from another source document or bookmark. It allows a master document to auto-update when the source document changes.

Why do my SEQ fields keep restarting at 1?

SEQ fields can restart at 1 if they are separated by section breaks, if the formatting switch instructs the field to restart, or if they are embedded within individual INCLUDETEXT fields that fail to sync with the main document's sequence.

Are there alternatives to using INCLUDETEXT?

Yes. If you do not need the content to link dynamically to an external file, you can insert reusable content using AutoText or Building Blocks. Alternatively, you can use the Master Document feature for compiling large reports.

Document & File Issues