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c#ms-wordvstoword-addins

How can I export a piece of a DOCX file and keep the same paragraph numbering?

TL;DR:

How can I capture the paragraph numbering as a 'part' of the text and export it to a DOCX?

Problem

I have a document that's split into sections and sub-sections that reads similarly to a set of state statutes (Statute 208, with subsections Statute 208.1, Statute 208.2, etc.). We created this by modifying the numbering.xml file within the .docx zip.

I want to export a 'sub-section' (208.5) and its text to a separate .docx file. My VSTO add-in exports the text well enough, but the numbering resets to 208.1. This does make some sense as it's now the first paragraph with that <ilvl> in the document.

PDF works okay

Funnily enough, I'm able to call Word.Range's ExportAsFixedFormat function and export this selection to PDF just fine - even retaining the numbering. This led me down a path of trying to 'render' the selection, possibly as it would be printed, in order to throw it into a new .docx file, but I haven't figured that out, either.

What I've tried:

  • Range.ExportFragment() using both wdFormatStrictOpenXMLDocument and wdFormatDocumentDefaultas the wdSaveType values.

    • These export but also reset the numbering.

  • Document.PrintOut() using PrintToFile = true and a valid filename. I realize now that this, quite literally, generates 'printout instructions' and won't inject a new file at path filename with any valid file structure.

    • Plainly doesn't work. :)

  • Application.Selection.XML to a variable content and calling Document.Content.InsertXML(content) on a newly added Document object.

    • Still resets the numbering.

Code Section for Context

using Word = Microsoft.Office.Interop.Word;

Word.Range range = Application.ActiveDocument.Range(startPosition, endPosition);
range.Select();

//export to DOCX?
Application.Selection.Range.ExportFragment(
    filename, Word.WdSaveFormat.wdFormatDocumentDefault);
Solution

  • You could use ConvertNumbersToText(wdNumberAllNumbers) before exporting, then _Document.Undo() or close without saving after the export.