How to Make a Table of Contents in Google Docs

Creating a Table of Contents in your Google Doc is a great way to organize and navigate your writing. It is a simple process once you know what buttons to press. Along with instructionsthis article also explains the purpose of a Google Docs Table of Contents and a quick note about using the program.

How to Make a Table of Contents

Google makes it easy to add a Table of Contents to your document. Follow the steps below to do it properly.

1. Change Titles and Subtitles in the Document

Firstensure you labelled all titles and subtitles in your document as Headings. Headings make long documents easier to read. If they are not alreadyselect the full title and click the Format button in the top menu. Hover over the “Paragraph s” button and choose from the headings listed. Some examples are “Heading 1,” Heading 2” and more. Each heading is a different sizeso make sure whichever one you pick matches your document’s vibe.

2. Place the Cursor Correctly

Now that you set up the titles and subtitles in your table of contentsplace the cursor on the area where you want the table to appear. Typicallya table of contents appears at the beginning of your document after the title and author. Occasionallyyou will find it at the endbut it depends on the author’s preference. Choose the best-suited location.

3. Press “Insert” at the Top

Press the “Insert” button at the top menu once you place your cursor appropriately. It is above the “Print” icon and between the “View” and “Format” sections. Do not double-click. One click is sufficient.

4. Scroll Down to “Page Elements”

Once you press “Insert,” a drop-down will appear. Scroll down until you see the “Page elements” tab and hover over it. If you click itnothing will happen.

5. Select “Table of Contents”

Another drop-down will appear once you are hovering over “Page elements.” From that listhover over the “Table of Contents” button. Againif you click itnothing will happen.

6. Choose the Table’s Format

Once you are hovering over the “Table of Contents” tabthree boxes with different formatting options will appear. The choices are “Plain text,” “Dots” and “Links.” A “Plain text” table is simply a numbered table with accompanying titles. “Dots” tables have dots between the number and title. “Links” include blue hyperlinks to each listed section. Choose the best option that fits your document’s needs and click it.

7. Table Should Appear

Once you select your desired formatthe Table of Contents should appear wherever your cursor is. You can stop here if that is all you wanted. Below are some additional personalization options and a quick note about updates.

8. Personalize the Table

To further personalize the tablehover over it and select the three-dotted menu that appears. Choose “More options.” You can change the formatpage numbersline s and heading levels from this tab. Play around with it until you create the ideal table of contents.

9. Update as Needed

If you edit your document after creating the Google Docs table of contents and change any titles or subtitlesdo not worry. Once you make changesright-click on the table and select “Update table of contents.” You can also hover over the table to see the update icon. This automatically updates the table to reflect your recent adjustments.

Purposes for a Table of Contents

There are several reasons why people include a table of contents in their documents. Remembera table of contents is different from a sidebar outline in Google Docswhich only organizes your document for you. Below are a few common ones.

Books

Many authors use table of contents sections in their books to outline each chapter for their readers. If they want to navigate to a specific scene or chapteran outline provides the page number and title. It also helps writers track their chapters and edit them quickly instead of manually scrolling through a document.

Research Papers

Some professors require students to include a table of contents section at the beginning of their paper. This makes the paper easier to navigate if linked digitally or printed out. It also ensures that students cover the rubric’s parameters since they can clearly see each topic.

News Articles

If you are writing a lengthy news article on different eventsa table of contents section makes it easier for readers to see each topic. They can then decide whether to read the entire article or just the most relevant section. If you are outlining the specific details of an event or explaining how multiple connecta table of contents provides the gist to make it easier for readers. 

Cookbooks

A Table of Contents page is ideal for a cookbook because it enables chefs to locate their desired recipe quickly. Home and restaurant kitchens are busy placesso having a fast way to navigate to each recipe allows more time spent on actually cooking the meal. 

Instruction Manuals

If you are writing an instruction manuala table of contents is beneficial. This goes for furniture buildingnew technological equipment and many others. It directs readers to specific areas when the instructions are more comprehensive. If someone is looking for a specific manualthe table quickly tells them if this is the right one or not. 

Contracts

A table of contents benefits contracts because it outlines each legal area coveredmaking it more understandable and organized for both the lawyer and their client. It also allows for quick reference if someone forgot to sign or wants to change a listed stipulation.

Note About Google Docs

Google updates Google Docs frequently. Sometimesyou might not notice if you have auto-updates on. While these are usually minor fixes or bug changessometimes the buttons move. The “Page elements” tab itself just got updated. You should still be able to find whatever tab you are looking for via the labels. Read each one carefully and hover over it to find your desired tab. AI Overview instructions can omit important stepsso consult multiple sources if you still cannot find an updated button.

Add a Table of Contents

Adding a Table of Contents to a Google Doc is a simplequick process that makes your document easier to navigate and read. Consider adding one to your document using the steps listed above.