Question

OpenOffice: create a table of contents - this is how it works

Answer 1

Preparation: Format headings with templates

1st step:
2nd step:
Insert table of contents
1st step:
2nd step:
Edit and update the table of contents
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
Quick start Guide:

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Would you like to add an automatic table of contents to your OpenOffice document? We show you how it works..

A table of contents can be created quickly in OpenOffice. You just have to make sure that you use headings and styles. Automatic directories are advantageous over manually created ones: They adapt to every change and form a uniform representation. Here we show you how to format your text appropriately for a table of contents and then create it:

• Preparation: Format headings with templates
• Insert table of contents
• Edit and update the table of contents

In the following, we will explain to you in step-by-step instructions how to create an automatic table of contents in OpenOffice. If you are already familiar with it, you can also jump directly to our quick guide .

Preparation: Format headings with templates

1st step:

In order to be able to create an automatic table of contents in OpenOffice, you must first format the headings. To do this , select the heading in the document , then click on the arrow next to " Standard " and select " Heading 1 ". If you have subordinate headings , continue with the following step:

2nd step:

In the case of a subordinate heading, instead of the formatting " Heading 1 ", select the next one, ie " Heading 2 ". Proceed in the same way with other layers. If the three predefined levels are not enough for you, click on " More ... ". Format all headings in your document like this. You can then insert the contents directory:

Insert table of contents

1st step:

Click " Insert "> " Directories "> " Directories ... ".

2nd step:

As you can now see, the table of contents is preset as a type . You can enter a different title, but for a simple table of contents you should not make any further settings and click on " OK ". The table of contents will then appear in your document with the formatted headings and the corresponding page numbers. If you make changes to your text, your table of contents will now also adapt. More on this in the next step:

Edit and update the table of contents

1st step:

If you right-click on your table of contents , the point " Edit directory " will be displayed. Click to make changes. You can bring your directory up to date at any time (e.g. if you have added new chapters to your document or if the page numbers change). To do this, click on " Update directory ".

2nd step:

You can now choose from various tabs above and make settings there . It is possible, for example, to change the number of columns or to use templates . In the preview on the left you can see how the change would look in the finished directory.

3rd step:

This is what your table of contents could look like after a few small changes. In our example we have increased the number of columns to 2 and changed the background color to white.

Quick start Guide:

1. Select a heading for your document and click on the arrow next to " Standard " in the tab for templates .
2. Select " Heading 1 " from the templates . If you have several heading levels, select " Heading 2 " for a subordinate level . The preparations for your directory have now been made.
3. Click " Insert "> " Directories "> " Directories ... ".
4. Do not change any settings at first (the type of table of contents is preset) and click on " OK ". Your directory has already been created.
5. With a right click on the table of contents you can e.g. B. Select " Edit Directory " or " Update Directory ".
6. The former has different options for making changes . You can e.g. B. change the number of columns or adjust the background color . Always confirm with " OK ".

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