Multilevel 1.1.1
Location on ribbon: Tab DVD Addin → Group Text and Number → Menu Multilevel
Command ID: btnMultilevelNumbering
What it does
Writes hierarchical numbers 1., 1.1., 1.1.1. … into the selected cells, where each row's level comes from the cell's indent level, not from dots you typed yourself. No indent means level 1, one indent step means level 2, two steps means level 3, and so on.
It is the fastest way to renumber the whole item-code column of a multi-tier bill of quantities or cost estimate. Build the tree with Excel's Increase Indent button, then click once and every code is regenerated in the right order.
How to use
- Set the indent level of each cell with Increase/Decrease Indent on Excel's Home tab.
- Select the whole item column (run (None) from the same menu first if the table already carries old numbers).
- Go to tab DVD Addin → group Text and Number → open the Multilevel menu → click Multilevel 1.1.1.
- The command runs immediately — no dialog appears.
- The Excel status bar reports something like "Applied multilevel numbering in N cells".
How each cell is handled:
- Text cell: the prefix is written in front of the content, e.g.
1.2. Concrete works. - Empty cell: only the prefix is written, ready for you to type.
- Formula cell: wrapped as
=""&"1.2. "&(original formula), keeping the formula live. - Numeric, date and TRUE/FALSE cells are skipped.
Example
The item column of a cost estimate, with indent levels of 0 / 1 / 2 already set:
| Before (indent) | After |
|---|---|
| Substructure (0) | 1. Substructure |
| Earthworks (1) | 1.1. Earthworks |
| Machine excavation (2) | 1.1.1. Machine excavation |
| Hand excavation (2) | 1.1.2. Hand excavation |
| Superstructure (0) | 2. Superstructure |
Notes
- The command does not clear existing multilevel numbers — running it twice stacks prefixes, so use (None) first.
- A maximum of 10 levels is supported; deeper indents are clamped to level 10.
- The level comes from the cell's Indent property, not from spaces typed at the start of the text.
- Hidden rows and columns are skipped and do not consume a number; a merged area counts once, via its top-left cell.
- Per-level counters only advance after a successful write, so a locked cell does not shift the numbering of later rows.
Related
- (None) — clears multilevel numbers before renumbering.
- Number list — flat 1., 2., 3. numbering for non-hierarchical tables.
- Roman list — I., II., III. codes for the top level.
- Auto group — builds Excel outline groups from the same indent structure.