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How to Restore Missing Multilevel List Styles in Word 2016
Question details
The user needs to recover the default built-in multilevel list styles that have disappeared from the Word 2016 list gallery.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to format a document using standard multilevel lists, but finding the built-in gallery templates completely missing from the ribbon.
- Observed behavior
- Built-in multilevel list styles are absent from the list gallery drop-down menu in Word 2016.
Ensure that all Microsoft Word windows are completely closed before attempting to locate or modify application data files, as Word locks these files while running.
Reset the List Gallery by Deleting ListGal.dat
This method forces Word to rebuild its default list gallery configurations upon the next startup.
The ListGal.dat file stores your gallery list settings. When it becomes corrupted or lists go missing, deleting it allows Word 2016 to generate a fresh, default version of the file, thereby restoring the built-in multilevel list styles.
Save your current documents and exit Microsoft Word entirely to ensure the application data files are not actively in use.
Open File Explorer. Click on the 'View' tab at the top and check the box for 'Hidden items' in the Show/hide group. This is necessary to access the AppData folder.
In the File Explorer address bar, type '%appdata%\Microsoft\Word' and press Enter. This will take you directly to the folder containing your Word configuration files.
Locate the file named 'ListGal.dat'. Copy it to your desktop as a backup. Once backed up, right-click the original file in the Word folder and select 'Delete'.
Open Microsoft Word 2016. Check the Multilevel List drop-down menu in the Paragraph group of the Home tab. The default built-in styles should now be restored.
Experience Hassle-Free Document Formatting with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word frequently experiences missing list styles or configuration file corruption, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight alternative that offers robust formatting tools, seamless compatibility with Microsoft formats, and a highly stable environment.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly without any conversion.
- 3. Apply Multilevel Lists Effortlessly: Navigate to the Home tab and use the built-in Multilevel List tool to format your document seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my multilevel list styles disappear in Word 2016?
This usually happens when the ListGal.dat file, which stores list gallery data, becomes corrupted or damaged during system updates, unexpected crashes, or conflicting add-ins.
Will deleting ListGal.dat affect the text in my current documents?
No, it will only reset the list gallery template options presented in the Word ribbon menu. Multilevel lists that you have already applied to existing documents will remain perfectly intact.
Where exactly is the ListGal.dat file located if the shortcut doesn't work?
By default, the file is located in the directory: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word. You must have hidden files and folders enabled in Windows File Explorer to see the AppData folder.
