KOMA-Script scrbook: How to Remove the Period After a Part Number

If a KOMA-Script scrbook part heading appears as “Part I.” before its title, the period is normally added by the part-number format. You can remove it just for parts by redefining \partformat in the preamble. This leaves the part name, number, and title intact.

Remove the period only from parts

Add this before \begin{document}:

\renewcommand*{\partformat}{\partname~\thepart}

KOMA-Script’s standard part format includes \autodot, which can add a period after the part number. The redefinition keeps the part name (\partname) and number (\thepart), separated by a nonbreaking space (~), but leaves out that punctuation command.

Here is a minimal example you can compile:

\documentclass{scrbook}

\renewcommand*{\partformat}{\partname~\thepart}

\begin{document}
\part{First part}
Text of the first part.
\end{document}

The part heading will show the part label and number without a period after the number. The title, “First part” in this example, is unaffected. The example needs no additional package.

If you want to remove other numbering dots too

If your goal is to remove end dots from section numbers throughout the document, use the KOMA-Script class option instead:

\documentclass[numbers=noenddot]{scrbook}

This option is broader than redefining \partformat: it controls end punctuation for numbered sectioning levels. Use it when you want that general numbering style, not merely a change to part headings. If only parts should change, keep the \partformat redefinition.

Common mistakes

• Changing \partname or \thepart: These commands control the label and number, not the trailing punctuation. Redefining them is unnecessary for this adjustment.
• Removing punctuation from the title text: The period after the number is generated by the format. Editing the argument to \part{...} will not remove it.
• Applying a global option for a local change: numbers=noenddot can affect other numbered headings. Prefer the \partformat redefinition when the change should apply only to parts.
• Adding a period back into the format: If you include \autodot in the redefinition, KOMA-Script can add the punctuation you are trying to suppress.