Creating a Table of Contents has become one of the easiest task with Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010. The latest version gives you the option to generate the TOC automatically with a few modifications. You get your desired TOC outputs with all the features that a standard TOC should have.

  Follow the steps given below to create a TOC on Word 2007 and 2010:

To create a Table of Contents (TOC), first we need to define the various Styles for our content like Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3 etc. We can even define our own styles and use it.

Step 1: In Word 2010/2007, go to Reference Ribbon.

Step 2: In Table of Contents, go to Insert Table of Contents. The Table of Contents window is displayed.

Step 3: In TOC window, the Print Preview would display the layout of the TOC.

Step 4: Select the checkbox Show page numbers if you want to insert the page numbers in the TOC.

Step 5: Select Right align page numbers if you want tab leaders along with the page numbers. Tab leaders are the generally the dotted lines that connects the topic in TOC with the page numbers. This makes it easier for the viewers to locate the page numbers for a particular topic and enhances the layout of the TOC. You may choose the desired Tab Leader from the Tab Leader dropdown.

Step 6: Formats refer to the various styles in which you may set your TOC. You can choose from a variety of options as Classic, Distinctive, Modern, Fancy, Formal, Simple etc.

Step 7: Show levels refer to the levels till you want the TOC to be displayed. For example, if your content has Heading 1, Heading 2 and Heading 3 styles but in the TOC you want only the Heading 1 and Heading 2 to be displayed. In that case choose the level as 2 from the spin box.

Step 8: Select Use hyperlink instead of page numbers if you want the topics in hyperlink. This option is preferable if your document is for the purpose displaying it over the web. Even if it is not for the purpose of displaying it over the web, you can use this option by pressing CTRL+Click to display the particular content within the document.

Step 9: If you want to change the font, font size, color etc to create the TOC select “From Template" option from Formats. The Modify button will be enabled. Click Modify to select a particular Style for a TOC.

 Step 10: Click Options. The TOC Options window is displayed.

Step 11: Select the checkbox for Styles if you want to display the available styles.

Step 12: Select the TOC level from the Available Styles. Give the levels you want for a particular Heading style. Suppose you want Heading 2 to display first in the TOC and then Heading 1 and Heading 3. In that case assign Heading 2 as TOC level 1 and Heading 1 and 3 as TOC level 2 and 3 accordingly.

Step 13: Click OK. The desired TOC will be displayed at the top of the document.

Note: Do not forget to place the cursor on the top of your document.