Create a clickable table of contents in Word

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

There are a couple of options available when you want to insert a table of contents in a Word document. But if you want to create a clickable table of contents, then there’s really only one option. And that is to insert an automatic table of contents. Find out why this is the better option. Plus, learn how to insert a table of contents in your Word document.

What are the options?

You have two options when adding a table of contents to your Word document.

The first is to insert an automatic table of contents. This is a ‘clickable’ table of contents. It means anyone reading your document can use the table of contents to click to a specific section.

The second option is to insert a manual table of contents. Though for me, this isn’t an option at all, and I would never recommend you do so. Why? Because it doesn’t allow you to create a clickable table of contents in Word.

Why automatic trumps manual

Your time

Inserting a manual table of contents is time consuming.

That’s because a manual table of contents only includes the structure for the table of contents. This means you must manually add entries. You also need to trawl through your document to find corresponding page numbers. And if (or when) the contents of your document changes, you must then manually update the table of contents.

It doesn’t make sense to work in this way.

Instead, an automatic table of contents is the way to go. It’s inserted in the same way the ‘structure’ for a manual table of contents is inserted. The big difference is that setting up an automatic table of contents only takes a few quick steps. The same applies when you need to update it.

Useability for a reader

An automatic table of contents also benefits those who read your document.

Firstly, they’ll have an outline of the contents of your document. This is especially important for longer documents.

Secondly, a reader can quickly navigate to a specific section. That’s because …

An automatic table of contents contains ‘clickable’ hyperlinks.

This is also useful for you when you’re editing your document.

Plus, an automatic table of contents is ideal if you convert your document into PDF format to send to others. Because the PDF document will also contain clickable hyperlinks.

Insert a clickable table of contents in Word

To insert a clickable table of contents:

• Place the cursor where you want to insert the table of contents;
• Click the Table of Contents button (References > Table of Contents);
• Select Automatic Table 1 or Automatic Table 2 – the only difference between these options is the heading (Contents versus Table of Contents).

The table of contents will include three levels by default. These are connected to Headings 1-3, Word’s built-in heading styles.

It’ll also include a heading, so you don’t have to insert and format this yourself.

And finally, you’ll see that the table of contents is contained within a content control. The control has a tab at the top which enables you to update the table of contents when required. You can also use the tab to select the entire table of contents. This makes it easy for you to remove the table of contents if you no longer want it to appear in your document.

Can’t insert a table of contents in your Word document?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to insert a table of contents in your Word document. It could be:

Whatever the case may be, this causes problems for Word. Because it means Word can’t recognise that your document contains headings. And as such, doesn’t know which entries to add to the table of contents.

So be sure to format all headings in your document using styles. Again, use Word’s built-in heading styles, and modify these to suit your needs. Or review the custom styles you’ve used to ensure they’re set up correctly. Then insert the table of contents.

Related article

• How to insert tab leaders in a table of contents