How to Create a Table of Contents in Google Docs

If you’re working on a long document, learning how to create a table of contents in Google Docs helps you organize sections and improve navigation.

Apply heading styles first

Before adding a table of contents in Google Docs:

1. Select your section titles
2. Click on the Styles dropdown (Normal text)
3. Choose:
   • Heading 1 (main sections)
   • Heading 2 (subsections)

→ This structure is required for TOC to work

Insert table of contents

1. Place your cursor where you want the TOC
2. Click on Insert
3. Select Table of contents
4. Choose a style:
   • With page numbers
   • With links (for digital docs)

→ Your table of contents will be added

Update table of contents

• Click on the TOC
• Click the Refresh icon

→ Updates any changes automatically

Why use a table of contents

• Improves document structure
• Helps readers navigate easily
• Makes documents look professional

Quick tip

Always apply headings properly before inserting a TOC—otherwise it won’t capture your sections correctly.