When you use a table of contents in your Microsoft Word document it makes it easier for the reader to navigate. You have the ability to insert a table of contents in Word from the headings used in your document. You can also update it after making changes to the document. This article will show you how to create and update a table of contents.

How to Create, Update and Remove a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word?

Table of Contents and how to add it?

Using a table of contents can direct the reader to exactly where they have to be. On top of making the Microsoft Word document more reader-friendly, a table of contents also makes it easier for the author to go back as well as add or even remove content if required.

Word generates a table of contents using the first three built-in heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, along with Heading 3), by default. To apply heading styles, choose the particular style from “Home”. If you are not satisfied with the types of heading styles available, you have the ability to change the default heading style.

You can do so in two different ways. You can apply the heading styles to each section after you finish the document. Or, you can add them as you are typing the heading.

After you apply your heading styles, it is time to insert your table of contents. The first thing that has to be done is to put the cursor where you want the table of contents to appear. After you’re ready, head to the “References” tab, then click on “Table of Contents.”

A drop-down menu appears, here, you can select between the three different built-in tables.

The only difference between Automatic Table 1 and 2 is the title, which is “Contents” as well as the “Table of Contents,” respectively. If you select either Automatic Table 1 or 2, it will create the table of contents using the names of the headings.

If you select the “Manual Table” option from the “Table of Contents” drop-down menu, it will insert a template for you that you have to edit yourself.

You may notice in there are sub-levels in the table of contents. Every level represents a heading style in the document. So, if you happen to use the automatic table and you wish to have sub-levels in your ToC, you will have to use heading 1 for level 1, heading 2 for level 2, along heading 3 for level 3.

The table of contents can be made to go deeper than the top three heading styles. On the dropdown menu click on the “Table of Contents” button, select the “Custom Table of Contents” option.

In the window that appears, select “Options”.

In the window, next to each available style you want to use (these are Word’s built-in styles starting with Heading 4). Type the TOC level you want to use, then click on “OK” after you’re done.

How to Update the Table of Contents?

If you have to add or remove a section from the document, you can update the table of contents to reflect the changes. To update the table of contents, select the table, click on “Update Table” on the pop-up menu that appears. Then select if you want to update only the page numbers or the entire table. Click “OK” to apply the changes you have made to the table of contents.

The table of contents will be updated. This comes in handy when you wish to add or even remove a heading from the table of contents.

How to Remove the Table of Contents?

Removing the table of contents is uncomplicated. All that is needed is to select it, then click on the arrow on the menu that appears.

At the bottom of the drop-down menu that appears, click on “Remove Table of Contents.”

The table of contents will now be removed from the document.

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