# How to Add a Table of Contents to a PDF

> Add the table of contents in the source document before you export the PDF: use heading styles in Word or Google Docs, insert a table of contents, then export. Or use a tool that builds it for you.

Source: https://buildpdfs.com/guides/how-to-add-a-table-of-contents-to-a-pdf
Published: 2026-10-10

**The easiest way to add a table of contents to a PDF is to add it in the source document before you export.** In Word or Google Docs, apply heading styles to your section titles, insert a table of contents, then export the PDF. An AI document tool such as BuildPDFs builds the table of contents and page numbers for you.

A [table of contents](/glossary#table-of-contents) lists the sections of a document with their page numbers. It must update when pages move, so build it from headings, not by typing it by hand.

## Option 1: Microsoft Word

1. Apply **Heading 1** to each chapter title and **Heading 2** to each section title.
2. Put the cursor where the table of contents should go, usually after the cover.
3. Go to **References > Table of Contents** and choose a style.
4. Add page numbers: **Insert > Page Number**.
5. Before you export, update the table: right-click it and choose **Update Field**.
6. Export: **File > Save As** and choose PDF.

## Option 2: Google Docs

1. Apply **Heading 1** and **Heading 2** styles to your titles.
2. Go to **Insert > Table of contents** and choose the version with page numbers.
3. Add page numbers: **Insert > Page numbers**.
4. If you change the text, click the refresh icon on the table of contents.
5. Export: **File > Download > PDF document**.

## Option 3: Let a tool build it

In BuildPDFs, the table of contents and page numbers are automatic. You describe the document or paste your text, and the AI turns your headings into chapters and sections. When you add a chapter or move content, the table of contents and page numbers update. This works for documents of any length.

Start with the [AI ebook generator](/ai-ebook-generator), the [AI document generator](/ai-document-generator) or the [minimal ebook template](/templates/ebook-minimal).

## FAQ

### How do I add a table of contents to a PDF I already have?

If you have the source file (Word, Google Docs, Pages), add the table of contents there and export again. That is the cleanest fix. If you only have the PDF, a PDF editor such as Adobe Acrobat can add bookmarks, which show in the side panel of most PDF readers. Bookmarks help navigation, but they do not add a contents page to the document.

### Why are the page numbers in my table of contents wrong?

The table was not updated after the text changed, or it was typed by hand. Rebuild it from heading styles and update it as the last step before you export.

### Does every PDF need a table of contents?

No. Documents of one to five pages do not need one. Ebooks, workbooks, reports and manuals of about 10 pages or more do. See [how to structure an ebook](/guides/how-to-structure-ebook).

### Which tools add a table of contents automatically?

Some tools build it from your headings, and others need you to set it up by hand. See [BuildPDFs vs Google Docs](/compare/google-docs), [BuildPDFs vs Microsoft Word](/compare/microsoft-word) and the [long-form PDF tool comparison](/guides/long-form-pdf-tool-comparison).