How-to
How to make a table of contents that updates itself
The short answer
Apply Heading 1, Heading 2 and so on to your headings, then open the References tab and insert a table of contents. It lists those headings with page numbers. After you edit, update the table so the numbers stay right.
A table of contents turns a long document from a wall of text into something a reader can move around in. The best part is that you do not write it. The document builds it from your headings, and rebuilds it when you ask.
Step one: use real heading styles
This is the whole secret, and the reason many tables of contents come out empty. A heading that is just bold and bigger text is invisible to the table. The paragraph needs to carry a Heading 1, Heading 2 or Heading 3 style. We cover why in Word formatting basics.
- Select a main section title and apply Heading 1.
- Select subsection titles and apply Heading 2.
- Use Heading 3 for anything smaller, and do not skip levels.
Step two: insert the table
- Click where the contents page should go, usually after the cover page.
- Open the References tab.
- Choose Table of Contents and pick a style.
The editor lists each heading with its page number. In Wrdio, open your file on the home page, press Edit and use the References tab.
Step three: keep it up to date
The table does not change by magic as you type. After you add, delete or reorder headings, update it so the entries and page numbers are right. Do this as the last step before you export or print, every time.
Make it look the way you want
- Levels. Show only Heading 1 and 2 for a short, clean list.
- Dots and numbers. Choose whether a dotted line leads to the page number.
- Page numbers. Make sure the document has them. See how to add page numbers.
- Page break. Put the contents on its own page with a page break after it.
If something looks wrong
- A heading is missing. It does not use a heading style, or it is set to a level that is hidden.
- Page numbers are off. Update the whole table, not just the page numbers.
- An extra line shows up. A paragraph has a heading style by accident. Change it back to normal text.
The report template in Wrdio already uses heading styles, so you can start from there.
Questions people ask
How do I make a table of contents in Word?
Apply heading styles to your headings, then use the References tab to insert a table of contents. It is built from those headings.
Why is my table of contents empty?
No paragraph uses a heading style. Bold or larger text is not enough; apply Heading 1, Heading 2 and so on.
How do I update a table of contents?
Right-click it, or use the update option on the References tab, and choose to update the whole table.
Can I change which headings appear?
Yes. Set how many heading levels the table should include when you insert it.