PDFs are an effective way to send out information to readers or colleagues. PDFs can be viewed on mobile devices and computers, so you can be sure that all your readers have access to the file. PDFs also can't be changed or edited, which means your information will stay the same and secure.
Not adding a table of contents to a PDF can be frustrating, however. The readers won't know what to expect from the document, and they will find it hard to navigate to specific pages. Adding a table of contents can solve many of these issues for your clients and readers.
What Is a Table of Contents?
A table of contents will list all the different sections of your file. It will show how your writing is broken up into separate categories. It will allow the reader to know what to expect from the reading. A table of contents will also show which page each new section starts on.
Just like a table of contents in a textbook or other reading materials, the table of contents in a PDF will list where you can find specific sections. It allows you to easily access the areas of the material you want to get to quicker.
Why Use a Table of Contents?
While a table of contents is handy to the writer and reader, there are many reasons you might want to add one to your PDF. You might even find there are some benefits you didn't think of before. Below are the most common reasons people choose to include a table of contents.
- Personal Preference. Many people find that they like how a table of contents looks at the beginning of the PDF. You'll find that the PDF looks much more professional. A table of contents also makes the PDF appear more like professional reading, such as a book or official reading. If you don't like how the table of contents looks, you can always delete it or change it later.
- Readability For Yourself and Others. Improving the readability of your PDF is highly crucial if you want more people to see your work. If a reader must scroll through hundreds of pages looking for the section or information they want, they may give up and 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 