Word - Add custom entries to a TOC Tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to add custom entries to a table of contents (TOC) in Microsoft Word.
By using the TC field, you can create descriptive text specifically for the TOC and hide it in the field code.
This allows the text to appear in the TOC but not in the body of your document.
You can insert the TC field by clicking on the Insert tab, selecting Quick Parts, and then Field.
In the Field dialog box, choose TC and enter the descriptive text you want to appear in the TOC.
Make sure to check the Outline Level option and assign a TOC level, such as eight, to format the text with the corresponding TOC style.
Additionally, you can suppress page numbers if needed.
After adding the field code, you can view it by clicking on the Show Hide Paragraph Marks button.
To display the TC field entries in the TOC, edit the TOC field code by pressing Alt+F9 and adding "\f" after the t switch.
Finally, update the field to see the description in the TOC.
You can also format the text by modifying the TOC style.
This method provides flexibility and allows you to customize your table of contents.
This tutorial is part of the Microsoft 365 eLearning resources.

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Objectifs :

This video aims to teach users how to effectively use the TC field in Microsoft Word to create a customized table of contents (TOC) that includes descriptive text not visible in the document body. It highlights the flexibility and options available when using field codes for TOC entries.

Chapitres :

Introduction to TC Field in Table of Contents
In this section, we explore the advantages of using the TC field in Microsoft Word for creating a table of contents. Unlike the custom styles used in previous methods, the TC field allows for more flexibility and the ability to include descriptive text that will appear in the TOC but not in the main body of the document.
Inserting TC Field Codes
To insert a TC field code, follow these steps: 1. Click at the beginning of the first paragraph in the section. 2. Navigate to the Insert tab. 3. Click on Quick Parts and then select Field. 4. In the dialog box, scroll down and select TC. 5. Enter the descriptive text you want to appear in the TOC in the text entry box. 6. Under Field Options, check 'Outline Level' and type '8' to assign TOC level eight to the text. 7. Check 'Suppress Page Numbers' to prevent the page number from displaying. 8. Click OK to add the field code.
Viewing and Hiding Field Codes
To view the field code you just added, go to the Home tab and click the Show/Hide Paragraph Marks button. This will display the field code along with the descriptive text and switches added by the dialog box. To hide the field code again, click the Show/Hide Paragraph Marks button once more.
Updating the Table of Contents
To ensure the TC field entries are displayed in the table of contents, follow these steps: 1. Press Alt + F9 to display the TOC field code. 2. Click ahead of the 't' switch and type '\f' followed by a space. 3. Update the field by pressing Alt + F9 again to see the description below the relevant TOC entry.
Formatting the TC Entry
To format the TC entry: 1. Go to the Home tab and open the Styles pane. 2. Locate the TOC eight style that corresponds to the level assigned to your TC entry. 3. Click Modify, then click Format and select Paragraph. 4. Indent the left and right margins as done previously in the summary style. 5. Click OK twice to apply the changes.
Conclusion
Using field codes in Microsoft Word may seem daunting at first, but they provide a wealth of possibilities for customizing your table of contents. By following the steps outlined in this video, you can effectively add your own content to a TOC, enhancing the organization and presentation of your document.

FAQ :

What is the purpose of the TC field in Word?

The TC field allows users to create custom entries in the Table of Contents that can include descriptive text, which is not visible in the main document, providing more flexibility in TOC creation.

How do I insert a TC field in my document?

To insert a TC field, click at the beginning of the desired paragraph, go to the Insert tab, select Quick Parts, then Field, scroll down to TC, and enter your descriptive text in the dialog box.

Can I customize the appearance of TOC entries?

Yes, you can customize TOC entries by modifying the styles associated with the TC field, such as changing the font, size, and indentation through the Styles pane.

What does the 'Suppress Page Numbers' option do?

The 'Suppress Page Numbers' option prevents the page number from appearing next to the TOC entry, allowing for a cleaner presentation of the TOC.

How do I update the Table of Contents after adding TC fields?

To update the Table of Contents, right-click on the TOC and select 'Update Field', or press Alt + F9 to refresh the field codes and display the latest entries.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Creating a Custom Table of Contents for a Report

When preparing a detailed report, you can use TC fields to create a custom Table of Contents that includes specific sections without cluttering the main document. This allows readers to navigate easily while keeping the document clean.

Formatting a Thesis or Dissertation

In academic writing, using TC fields can help format a thesis or dissertation's Table of Contents according to specific guidelines, ensuring that only relevant sections are included and properly formatted, enhancing the document's professionalism.

Creating User Manuals

For user manuals, TC fields can be utilized to create a clear and concise Table of Contents that directs users to important sections without displaying unnecessary details in the main text, improving usability.

Designing Corporate Policies and Procedures

When drafting corporate policies, TC fields can help in organizing the Table of Contents to reflect the hierarchy of policies, making it easier for employees to find relevant information quickly.

Enhancing E-books with Interactive TOC

In e-books, TC fields can be used to create an interactive Table of Contents that allows readers to navigate directly to chapters or sections, improving the reading experience and accessibility.

Glossaire :

TC field

A field code in Microsoft Word used to create entries in a Table of Contents (TOC) that can include descriptive text not visible in the main document.

Table of Contents (TOC)

A list of the sections or chapters in a document, typically with page numbers, that helps readers navigate the content.

Field code

A placeholder in a document that instructs Word to display specific information, such as a TC field for TOC entries.

Outline Level

A setting that determines the hierarchy of a TOC entry, allowing users to specify how the entry is formatted and where it appears in the TOC.

Suppress Page Numbers

An option in the TC field that prevents the page number from being displayed next to the TOC entry.

Styles pane

A feature in Microsoft Word that allows users to manage and modify the formatting styles applied to text in a document.

Modify

To change the properties or settings of a style in Microsoft Word, such as font, size, or indentation.

Indent

To create space at the beginning of a paragraph, which can be adjusted for left and right margins in document formatting.

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we used a custom style to mark text to include

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in the table of contents.

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But by using the TC field,

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we have a lot more flexibility.

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We can create descriptive text specifically

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for a table of contents and hide it in the field code

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so that it appears in the table of contents,

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but not the body of your document.

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Click at the beginning of the first paragraph

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in this section.

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Then click the Insert tab,

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click Quick Parts, and Field.

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With this dialog box, you can insert any feel you want.

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Scroll down and click TC.

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When you do, you get these options,

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which correspond to the switches that are available for TC.

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Type the descriptive text you want in the text entry box.

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This is the text that'll appear in the TOC,

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but not in the body of the document.

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Then under Field Options,

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check Outline Level, and type eight.

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This assigns TOC level eight to the text,

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so that it will be formatted with the TOC eight style.

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You can use any TOC style you want.

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I choose eight, because it's not likely to be used

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for any other TOC entry.

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And finally, check Suppress Page Numbers,

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so the page number doesn't display.

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Click OK,

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and the field code is added.

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To see it, go to the Home tab,

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and click the Show/Hide Paragraph Marks button.

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Here's the field code.

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The text and the switches that the dialog box added.

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Click Show/Hide Paragraph Marks again

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to hide the field with the text.

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To finish, go back to the table of contents,

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and press Alt F9

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to display the TOC field code.

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To instruct Word to display TC field entries

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in the table of contents,

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click ahead of the t switch,

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and type backslash f.

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Add a space.

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That's it.

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Now update the field,

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and press Alt F9,

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and you can see the description below Domestic Partners.

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The last thing we might wan to do is format the text.

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Go to the Home tab, and open the Styles pane.

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Remember we assigned level eight to the TC entry.

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So go to the TOC eight style,

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and click Modify.

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Click Format,

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and Paragraph,

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and indent the left and right margins,

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the same way we did in the summary style.

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Click OK,

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and click OK.

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Now you have another way to add your own content

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to a table of contents.

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Field codes may seem a little scary at first,

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but they do open up a whole lot of possibilities.

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