I can create a table of contents, using styles and a table. But I can't create a table of contents in a table format. All the indexes/tables of contents look like this:



1. Contents ..........7
2. Index ...............4
3. End ..............19

I want 3 columns with the page numbers updating automatically but in table format. I've spent hours Googling and at least 2 hours on a Microsoft chat which kept disconnecting me - and then taught me how to create a table. I am at my wits' end! Please could someone help me? thank you

You cannot create a table of contents in a table format automatically using the feature in Word.

What, specifically, about the table format is it that you want? Unless it is visible cell boundaries you can probably accomplish it using the automatic TOC by modifying the TOC styles.

You can put an automatic TOC inside a table, but it will all be in a single cell.

• TOC Tips and Tricks by Suzanne Barnhill
• Generating a Table of Contents - Complex Documents
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• TOC Switches by Suzanne Barnhill

Thanks for your quick reply. That was my fear.

I did want cell boundaries - just a normal table with headings in it, and page numbers which would then update.

I Have Word 2010. This is the document where I want the page numbers to update automatically. It seems so simple!

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Right - I have found a format for the table of contents which almost works. I just want column lines on it.

I could draw these in, which is possible but clumsy. Alternatively is it possible to put a table over the top of the text?

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word2.png (12.0 KB, 29 views)

This is beyond the capabilites of the TOC field.

You might be able to use a Bar Tab in the TOC styles. I have not used one for more than ten years, though, so can only suggest. That is a really old feature in Word, I think it may predate tables.

You can, of course, create a manual TOC. You could even use bookmarks and REF fields to copy content. As someone who learned to make a TOC on a typewriter, I feel your pain.

Once you have created a TOC in Word automatically, you could unlink the TOC field and convert it to a table. Far from automatic but better than doing the whole thing manually.

You might also be interested in: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...8-24ced71d9168
Do note that the solution there will only work with a single heading level for the Table of Contents Table.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

Thanks all for your replies. It doesn't look feasible as it's so complex it's pointless.