The Next Style command applies another defined style to the next paragraph when you type a return at the end of a paragraph. A paragraph return signifies the end of one style and the beginning of the new one. When creating a paragraph style, you can choose the next style to be invoked. You have the option of choosing Same Style, No Style, Basic Paragraph, or any other defined style in the document. Choosing Same Style from the dialog keeps that style applied through subsequent paragraphs until the style is manually changed.

Set a Next Paragraph Style

  1. Create a new paragraph style by choosing New Paragraph Style from the Paragraph Styles panel menu.
  2. Under the General category in the New Paragraph Style dialog, choose a style from the Next Style list in the dialog.
  3. The chosen style, Body:List:Number, will be applied to the next paragraph when a paragraph return is entered after Subhead:Steps text.

next style4

The Next Style command can also be applied to selected text, enabling many paragraphs to be formatted with one click. Follow these steps to change all instances simultaneously.

Apply the Next Style Command to Multiple Paragraphs

  1. Highlight the text to be styled.
  2. Position the cursor over the name of the paragraph style to be applied to the first paragraph.
  3. CTL-click (or right-click) on the style name to reveal a contextual menu.
  4. Choose Apply [Style Name], then Next Style to style the text according to the Next Style controls.

For more information about this feature, see Adobe’s Paragraph and Character Styles page.

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Posted by: Monica Murphy

Monica Murphy has worked in the publishing industry for over 30 years supporting publishing operations of various sizes. In her role as Technical Product Manager for Technology for Publishing, she shares her publishing application expertise supporting a broad range of publishing clients in InDesign best practices, cross-platform content workflows, and InDesign Template strategies. Her weekly tip and blog posts have a committed following in the InDesign community, and as a long-time participant in the InDesign pre-release community, she regularly analyzes and provides feedback for upcoming features. Monica manages the authoring and publication of Technology for Publishing’s handbooks on InDesign, InCopy, and other associated titles.