How to Create an Effective Table of Contents in Google Docs

ByJim Miller

Google Docs is a popular tool for power users who want to organize their writing effectively. One of the key features that many users appreciate is the ability to add a table of contents to their documents. This allows them to get a quick overview of the structure of their writing and easily navigate to specific sections. In this article, we will explore how to create a table of contents in Google Docs and why using a third-party add-on may be a better choice.

The Official Way: Creating a Table of Contents in Google Docs

To add a table of contents using the native feature in Google Docs, follow these steps:

  1. Open the document where you want to add the table of contents.
  2. Place the cursor at the desired location.
  3. Select “Insert” from the Google Docs menu bar.
  4. Click on “Table of contents.”

You have two options to choose from:

  • With Page numbers: This option adds a table of contents with page numbers. You can click on the headings in the table of contents to jump directly to the corresponding sections in the document.
  • With blue links: This option adds a table of contents without page numbers. It provides clickable links to the headings, allowing easy navigation within the document.

It's important to note that the table of contents won't update automatically as you add or modify headings. You need to click the refresh button next to the table of contents to update it.

Creating a Table of Contents on the Go: Google Docs Mobile App

If you're on the go and need to add a table of contents quickly, you can use the Google Docs mobile app. Here's how:

  1. Open the relevant Google Docs document on your phone.
  2. Tap the “Edit” button at the bottom.
  3. Tap the “+” icon at the top.
  4. From the “Insert” menu, scroll down and select “Table of contents.”
  5. Choose whether you want to add a table of contents with page numbers or with blue links.

Going Beyond: Using a Third-Party Add-on

While the native method in Google Docs is useful, it has some limitations. For example, you can't have the table of contents as a sidebar within the document. This is where third-party add-ons come in. Here's how you can use a third-party add-on:

  1. Open Google Docs and create a new document or open an existing one.
  2. Go to “Add-ons” in the menu bar and select “Get add-ons.”
  3. Search for the “Table of contents” add-on in the Google Workspace Marketplace.
  4. Install the add-on.
  5. Once installed, you can access it by clicking “Add-ons” in the menu bar and selecting “Table of contents > Show in Sidebar.”

The third-party add-on provides a floating sidebar on the right side of the document. It offers more customization options, such as changing the heading numbers format and display unit level. One advantage of this method is that the table of contents remains visible on the right side, allowing easy access without having to scroll to the top of the document.

Conclusion

Adding a table of contents can greatly enhance the writing experience in Google Docs. It provides a convenient way to navigate through your document and check the structure of your writing. Whether you choose to use the built-in feature or a third-party add-on, creating a table of contents will undoubtedly make your writing process more efficient.