The Microsoft Word 2016 application includes a feature that allows users to embed a table of contents within a word processing document. The table of contents is a linked artifact that includes references to different sections of the document, making it easier for readers to navigate the next. Word offers a range of templates and options to customize a table of contents when inserting it into your document.
Step 1:
Launch the Word 2016 application from the list of programs in the Start menu.
Step 2:
Open an existing Word document or choose the “Blank Document” option to start working on a new one.
Step 3:
Place your text cursor on the page where you want the table of contents to be displayed. In most cases, you will want the table of contents to appear on its own page with a section break afterwards.
Step 4:
Go to the “References” tab in the top ribbon bar.
Step 5:
Click on the “Table of Contents” button and choose one of the available templates or else choose the “Custom Table of Contents” option. This will open a pop-up window with a variety of settings for your new table of contents.
Step 6:
Use the check boxes under “Print Preview” to decide whether page numbers should be displayed and how they should be aligned.
Step 7:
Adjust the “Show levels” field to change how deep within your text structure the table of contents will show. The default option for this field is three levels.
Step 8:
Click on the “Options” button to see which formatting styles are currently linked to your table of contents. Each style will have a number beside its name, indicating which level it will appear within the table of contents. You can change these level numbers or choose new formatting styles to include in the table of contents.
Step 9:
Click “OK” twice to save the settings and insert the new table of contents into your document.
For more help with setting up a table of contents, refer to this article on the Microsoft support website.
