Table of Contents
Learn how to insert an automatic Table of Contents in Word using heading styles, and how to update it as your document changes.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
How an Automatic TOC Works
Word builds an automatic Table of Contents by reading the heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3) applied throughout your document. Each heading becomes a TOC entry with a page number. You must apply heading styles before inserting the TOC.
Applying Heading Styles
Click inside each section title and apply the appropriate heading style from the Home tab. Use Heading 1 for main sections, Heading 2 for subsections, and Heading 3 for sub-subsections.
Inserting a Table of Contents
Place your cursor at the location where you want the TOC (typically the beginning of the document). Go to References → Table of Contents and choose from the built-in Automatic Table styles.
Navigating the Document Using the TOC
Hold Ctrl and click any entry in the TOC to jump directly to that section. This works in both editing mode and read-only view.
Updating the Table of Contents
After editing your document, click anywhere inside the TOC and click Update Table. Choose Update page numbers only to refresh page numbers, or Update entire table to rebuild the TOC with any new headings.
Removing the Table of Contents
Go to References → Table of Contents → Remove Table of Contents to delete it from the document. This does not remove the heading styles from your text.
Knowledge Check
What must you do before inserting an automatic Table of Contents?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Open the practice document and apply Heading 1 to three main section titles.
- Apply Heading 2 to at least two subsection titles.
- Place your cursor on the first page and insert an Automatic Table 1 TOC.
- Ctrl+click a TOC entry to navigate to that section.
- Add a new heading in the body text, then update the entire TOC to reflect it.