I am struggling to find a way to manage how Word 2013 handles documents formatted with exact line height lines without resorting to compatibility mode.
Specifically, I am working with legal pleading that have side line numbering. Lines are either 24pt exact height or 12pt exact height for what you would call single or double spaced text (though it is tighter than default single and double). Because the lines of text are placed at the bottom of the vertical space reserved for the line, the first page will not align when the law firm name at 12pt spacing is next to the "1" line number at 24pt spacing. This leave the firm name "above" the first line number, rather than aligned with it. If the line number style is adjusted so that it is 12pt spacing with space before and after, this moves the line numbers down and they then coincide with the first line of text on the first page. Unfortunately, when applying this kludge, a new problem surfaces. On later pages, where most text is 24pt spacing, the 24pt spaced text will not align with line numbers, because the line numbers are 12pt lines that are vertically adjusted with space before and after. The 24 pt lines, on the other hand, have the text at the bottom of the vertical space reserved for the 24pt high line. Thus, 24 pt text starts below line number 1.
Is anybody aware of a method to control this layout behavior without resorting to compatibility mode? If "don't center exact line height lines" is depricated, what is the new solution to the layout control issue?
I don't see how the grid settings could help, but I will welcome any suggestions about how to approach this in a way that is robust. In other words, fixing space before the first 12pt line on the first page is not a solution, since 12pt text can sometimes appear at the top line of a legal brief when, for example, a quote that is 12pt spaced breaks across a page.