Paragraph Formatting Issue

Jay Dunn 30 Reputation points
2026-08-03T16:57:55.6366667+00:00

I have inherited a document that I am formatting. I have the styles set up for specific spacing before and after for each of the headings. But if I have a heading of one level that follows a heading of a higher level I adjust the spacing manually by using the paragraph formatting method. This should change just the heading that I am working on and that is usually the case. But for this document when I do that it is changing the spacing for all of the headings at that level as if I was changing the style setting. What is going on here?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows
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Answer recommended by moderator
Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-03T17:04:12.7666667+00:00

If a style changes when you apply direct formatting to it, the "Automatically update" option is activated in the Modify Style dialog box for one or more styles. Clear that option. (You will have to manually reverse any undesired changes that have been added by the option to your styles.)

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