How to put table of contents in google docs

Using a table of contents in Google Docs is a great way to structure your document. Readers can get a taste of what they’re getting into and navigate it easily via quick links to various sections. Here’s how to make a table of contents (TOC) in Google Docs.

Read more: How to insert a text box in Google Docs

THE SHORT ANSWER

To make a table of contents in Google Docs, click Insert and select Table of contents. Each heading in your document will become its own section within the TOC.

KEY SECTIONS

How to make and edit a table of contents in Google Docs

First, open a document in Google Docs and click where you want to add the compendium. Generally, you find a table of contents on the first page. Be aware that you cannot add a table of contents on the Android app, and you will have to have Print layout enabled for iPhone.

Then, click Insert –> Table of contents. You then have two options for how your table will look: with page numbers or with blue links. If you’re planning to print your document, choose page numbers. If your document remains digital, choose blue links.

Adam Birney / Android Authority

Google will convert any headings you’ve written into sections within your TOC. On the other hand, if you haven’t written anything yet, you’ll be prompted to add a heading to start.

Adam Birney / Android Authority

To edit your TOC, simply add or change the placement of your headings and refresh the page to see the table update.

You can view or hide the TOC at any time by clicking the Document outline arrow on the left side. You can also add a document summary just underneath to help inform readers.

Adam Birney / Android Authority

Lastly, you can customize the style and color of your headings or add special characters to highlight their subsections in the TOC. Click Format –> Paragraph styles to find a selection fo various formats.

How to delete a table of contents in Google Docs

To delete an entire TOC, right-click on your document and select Delete table of contents from the bottom.

Additionally, to remove an individual section from your table of contents, open the Documents outline on the left-hand side and click the X beside the header you want to delete.

Adam Birney / Android Authority

Can I alphabetize my table of contents in Google Docs?

Yes, but you will need to install an add-on. Click Add-ons –> Get add-ons to access the Google Workspace Marketplace. Then, search for Sorted Paragraphs, install, and select “Sort A to Z.”

Can I make a clickable table of contents Google Docs?

Yes, you can make a clickable table of contents by selecting Insert –> Table of contents –> with blue links.

Can you make multiple tables of contents in Google Docs?

Currently, Docs doesn’t support section breaks, so there isn’t any way to have multiple tables of contents in a document. However, there are titles, subtitles, and six different formatting styles for headings to identify subsections within your table of contents.

Can you make the table of contents smaller in Google Docs?

Yes. First, highlight your table of contents, then click Format –> Text –> Size and select Decrease font size.

Can I add images to my table of contents in Google Docs?

How do I use a custom text style for my headings in Google Docs?

First, select text with the style you want to use. Then, click Format –> Paragraph styles –> Normal text or Heading 1-6 –> Update ‘Heading’ to match. Google will update all of the highlighted text to match your selection.

Google Docs quickly became one of the web's most accessible, easy-to-use document editing and sharing platforms.

Although Google Docs is a platform beloved for its simplicity, there are sophisticated touches users can integrate into their Google Docs. One of the most useful: a table of contents.

Here's how you can add a table of contents to a Google Doc, allowing you to organize a lengthy research paper or any other ambitious literary endeavors. 

Note: You can't create a table of contents in the Google Docs Android app.

How to create a table of contents in Google Docs 

Using a computer

1. Navigate to docs.google.com and open the document that you want to add a table of contents to. Select a document with multiple sections, each set apart by header text.

2. In the top options menu, beneath the title of the document, select "Insert."

3. Scroll to the bottom to select "Table of contents" and select if you prefer page numbers, which is best for aa document that will be printed, or blue links, ideal for an online-based piece.

Your table of contents will appear on the page.

Using an iPhone or iPad

1. Open Google Docs and create a new document or open an existing document with multiple sections, each set apart by header text.

2. Tap the ellipsis icon, or three dots, in the top-right corner, and make sure that "Print layout" is enabled.

3. Tap the edit button — the blue pen icon in the lower right — to open editing options at the top of your iPhone or iPad screen.

5. Tap the "Insert" button, or plus sign icon, and scroll to the bottom of the options menu to select "Table of contents." The page numbers option suits documents you intend to print, while the blue links option is great for online-only docs.

Your table of contents will appear at the top of the page.

How to format a Google Doc to make a table of contents appear

If you try to insert a table of contents and nothing appears, that means you likely need to reformat your document using headers. Then, your table of contents will automatically populate using the text of your headers. Here's how to do it on desktop and mobile.

Using a web browser 

1. Highlight the text you want to add as a table of contents section.

2. From the styles menu, included by default in the main toolbar, the default style will be "Normal text." Select one of the numeric "Heading" options to add the text as a table of contents section.

Using an iPad or iPhone

1. Select the text that you want to become the name of your future table of contents section. 

2. Tap the blue pen icon in the bottom-right corner to begin editing, then select the underlined "A" icon from the top menu.

3. Under text options, change the "Style" to "Heading," followed by a number between one and six, depending on how you want the sections and subsections structured.