Question

Word: Create an automatic table of contents

Answer 1

Preparation: Format headings with a template
1st step:
2nd step:
Insert table of contents
1st step:
2nd step:
Format table of contents
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
4th step:
5th step:
Update table of contents
Create manual table
quick start Guide

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In Word you can have an automatic table of contents created. We'll explain how to do it..

An automatic table of contents in Word can save you a lot of work. Time-consuming typing and manual formatting are no longer necessary. We'll show you what to prepare and how to add and customize an automatic table of contents.

• Preparation: Format headings with a template
• Insert table of contents
• Format table of contents
• Update table of contents
• Create manual table
• Explanatory video

In the following, we will explain to you in step-by-step instructions how to create an automatic table of contents in Word. If you are well versed, you can also click directly to our quick start guide .

Preparation: Format headings with a template

1st step:

First, you need your headings using Word styles to format . First click on " Start " and enlarge the template menu on the right-hand side with the expand icon .

2nd step:

Now mark your headings and format them with a click on the respective format template . The heading templates are organized hierarchically. If you have more than one heading level, use heading 1 for the highest level (in the screenshot " Example heading 1 "), for the level below it heading 2 (in the screenshot example heading 1.1 ), etc. Do not be confused by the fact that Word initially only offers you two heading formats. As soon as you use both, Word gives you additional heading formatting options.

Insert table of contents

1st step:

Now insert the table of contents. Click on the " References " tab (in Word 2013 " References ") and go to " Table of Contents ".

2nd step:

Now select an automatic table with one click .

Format table of contents

1st step:

In the " References " tab (in Word 2013 " References ") click on " Table of Contents " and then on " Custom Table of Contents "

2nd step:

In this menu you can, for example, switch off the display of the page numbers or remove fill points . In the " Preview " you can examine your changes in advance.

3rd step:

If you want to format your text within the table of contents, select the item " From template " next to " Formats " and click on " Change ".

4th step:

You can now change formatting such as font size and font for each level ( called " Directory " in this menu ) . To do this, mark the respective directory and then click on " Change ". It will open a new window.

5th step:

Take a look at the changes you have made in this preview box and click " OK " if you are satisfied with the formatting.

Update table of contents

If you change your document again after creating the content, it is important to update the table of contents as well. Simply click into the table of contents and then click on " Update table of contents ". You now have the option to update the entire table of contents or just the page numbers . Confirm your selection with " OK "..

If you do not want a page number to appear on the first page of your document (e.g. because it is a cover sheet), then read through this Tips & Tricks article.

Create manual table

You can also create a table of contents without any prepackaged links. Click on the " References " tab , then on " Table of Contents " and then on " Manual Table ". An automatic update is here not possible ..

quick start Guide

1. Click on " Start " and then in the styles menu on the expand symbol .
2. Select the headings and format them in the template .
3. At the top, click References (in Word 2013, References ), then click Table of Contents .
4. Select " automatic table " or " custom content directory " from.
5. In the user-defined table of contents, select " From template " in " Formats " and click on " Change " to edit the individual heading levels.
6. With one click on the table of contents and another on " Update table of contents " you can bring your table of contents up to date after editing your document.

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