d try to find another source. It will also allow you to remember where your sections are located and edit them later if needed.
- Easy Way to Show all the Topics. Before people start reading something, they usually want to know what topics they can find in the material. A table of contents will tell the reader if your PDF has what they're looking for or not. Colleagues and clients will also see which topics you covered if you wrote the PDF for a work-related task.
- Easy Document Navigation. If you are looking for a particular topic, you can easily find the page number in the table of contents and then go to the exact page. This is also perfect if you are referencing items during meetings or classes. You can tell your peers or colleagues to turn to a specific page where they will easily find the information you are discussing.
Ongoing Benefits of Using a Table of Contents
For many people, the benefits of learning how to add a table of contents into a PDF will help them in their professional and personal life. It will make the readability and accessibility of your files much easier in the workplace and at school if you are making presentations. Overall, it will show you as a skilled and professional worker.
Steps for Adding the Table of Contents
When it comes to adding the table of contents, you might find it surprising to know that the easiest way to complete it is to convert it into a word document first. Once you have a PDF, you cannot edit while it's still in PDF mode. So you might think you can't change anything at this point. However, if you move the PDF into a Word doc first, you can make as many edits as you need.
The easiest way to make the table of contents is using Word after converting the PDF from Adobe or another software you might be using.
The exact steps for adding a table of contents will be highlighted below, but they follow these general guidelines:
- Always convert the PDF into a Microsoft Word file
- Add the table of contents using Word and then resave it as a PDF
- Add the table of contents using Word and then put it back into Adobe Acrobat
Each step is pretty straightforward, and the whole process can be done within a matter of minutes. You'll find that adding the table of contents through this method is efficient and quick.
Converting the PDF into a Microsoft Word File
This is the most crucial step because it allows you to make edits. Microsoft Word also makes the table of contents based on your headings, so you can simply insert it. It will automatically put the section names and page numbers for you.
- Open your PDF file on your computer. Your PDF might be in Acrobat DC or Preview, depending on your computer and what software you used to make the PDF.
- At the top right, choose "Export PDF."
- Choose "Microsoft Word" when asked what format you want to export to. Choose "Word Document."
- Click "Export." This might take a few moments, depending on how much text you have.
- Save the new file with the ending DOCX.
Now that your PDF is in Word, you can make the table of contents using the steps below.
Creating a Table of Contents in Word
Once you have your PDF into Word, you can easily make the table of contents.
- Apply heading styles and subheadings that you want. You can do this by highlighting the heading and then choosing "Heading 1" or which whichever heading you want from the styles plane.
- Click the References tab and then choose "Table of Contents." Choose the style you want from the list that opens.
- Click "File" and then "Save As." Choose "Browse" and choose where you want to save the file. Click "PDF" in the Type drop-down box.
- Click the "Options" button and wait for the options box to appear. Click "Create Bookmarks Using" and then click "Headings." Choose "OK" and then "Save."
- Now choose "File" and then "Save As." Finally, decide where you want to save the document.
- Click "Save As Type" and then choose "PDF."
- Click "Save" one more time. This will put your file back into a PDF.
Using Existing Headings and Subheadings in Adobe Acrobat
If you are using Adobe Acrobat, you can use