In your document, index entries are tagged with XE. If you add a subentry or cross-reference, you’ll also notice it inside the XE tag. If you don’t see your XE tags but would like to see them, go to the home and click on the Show/Hide Paragraph.
Edit or delete index entries
If you need to make a change to an entry, for example to remove a cross-reference, you will do so within that XE field. Make your changes inside the quotes. Another option is to delete the bookmarked post and then comment on it.
To remove an entry from the index, select all the text within the braces (including braces) ({ }) and hit Delete. You can then follow the steps above to mark the entry again with the changes you want.
Create the index in Word
When you’re ready to insert your table of contents, move your cursor to the place you want in your document. Then select the references and click Insert Index. Before the index is created, you have a few settings that you can adjust if you want.
Print Preview: This gives you a snapshot of how the index will look and adjust if you change the settings below.
Tab Leader: Certain formats (below) offer different tab stops to choose from, such as dotted lines or dashes. These come between the entry and the page number.
formats– You can choose from different themes for your table of contents, such as elegant, modern, or formal for a nice look.
Type: Choose between Indent or Running for the format type. You can spot the difference in the Print Preview box.
columns: Depending on how many entries your index has, you may want to add or remove columns for the structure.
After making the index settings, click okay. Your table of contents will appear in your document with your entries. You will see everything nice and tidy and in alphabetical order.
Update the Index
You can continue to mark additional entries after you create your index and simply update it. And if you edit or delete entries, you’ll also need to update the index.
Click inside the index area in your document and click the Update Index on the tape of references. If the button is grayed out, make sure the cursor is inside the index.
If you want to remove the index entirely, select all of your text and press your Delete. So you probably want to remove the index entries (above) if you don’t plan on using an index at all.
Create an index automatically in Word
It may take some time to mark all the entries you want in your Word index. But an index can be a valuable tool for your readers. So consider adding one if your audience can benefit from it for your next Word document, book, or other lengthy material.
For more reference features, see how to cite sources and create a bibliography in Microsoft Word.
