How to number Figure Titles continously across book files

Question

Currently in our book files, the Figure Titles restart at 1 in each book file. We would like them to number continously throughout the whole book, so that if there are 3 figures in chapter 1, the first figure in chapter 2 automatically starts at 4 (and if figures are added or deleted, the numbers update automatically when you generate the book).
Is this possible to do or are we forced to number our figures with a chapter preface (first chapter figures are 1.1, 1.2, etc., second chapter figures are 2.1, 2.2, etc.)

Answer 1

It's very possible and easy.
1. Assign a "series label" to the paragraph format that holds the autonumber
for your figures. I use "F:" for figures. For example, "F:Fig. <n+>.\sn" is
the autonumber format I use.  It gives a result such as "Fig. 3. " (I also
assign a bold character format to the autonumber format, to separate it from
the caption text.)
2. In the book file, select the files you want to be affected, right click
and choose "Numbering." On the Paragraph tab, set "Continue Numbering from
Previous Paragraph in Book."
3. Edit> Update Book to see the result.
4. Done!
Series labels come in really handy. Some use separate series labels for
tables, photos, charts, etc., but that can become confusing to readers very
quickly. (Table 1 follows Plate 6?). It's easier and clearer to use a single
series label for all illustrative elements.
Mike Wickham