Google Docs: How to make a table of contents

Google Docs is packed with word processing tools, some of which may not be readily apparent. Using them elevates your document to the next level. From small but significant touches aimed at professionals to features that aid remote collaborative writing projects (remember to wearwireless earbudsto keep public meetings secure), Google invested substantial effort into making Docs the feature-laden online word processor of choice, including the implementation of an extensive set of formatting tools.

With documents that are longer than a couple of pages, use the table of contents tool to make navigation a breeze. This guide shows you the steps to make this feature more accessible.

How to insert a table of contents

It isn’t difficult to set up your table of contents, but it requires a few premeditated formatting steps. Nothing too advanced, so don’t fret. We walk you through everything you need to know from start to efficiently summarized finish.

How to use your table of contents

If you use links in your table of contents, place your typing cursor in a link to bring up a floating menu with a clickable link that takes you to that header.

The table of contents doesn’t refresh automatically. If you add or remove headers, you must delete the table of contents and then reinsert it.

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How long is your document?

In the blink of an eye, you’ve gone from a plain Google doc, from pages of text that aren’t easily read, to a structured, professional-looking document that’s easy to navigate because it’s been laid out in easily digestible chunks by the table of contents tool.

Now that you’re an expert in making even the largest documents quick to navigate,turn on word count in Google Docsso you can see how big it is.

Format a Google Docs document with headings before creating the table of contents

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Select Format > Paragraph styles to choose a heading style for your Google Docs document

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Choose a table of contents style for your Google Docs document

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