SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

Table of Contents FAQs

1. Why is the Table of Contents Important?

The Table of Contents is method of navigating through any document that exceeds ten pages.

2. If I have a Table of Contents, does it have to be linked to the document?

Yes, The reason for having a Table of Contents is to provide additional means of navigating through lengthy documents. If a document is created correctly by utilizing styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc). then the source document (Microsoft Word) will easily generate a Table of Contents with links automatically placed within said documents.

3. Can I create a Table of Contents in Acrobat, or do I have to do it in my source file?

There are many ways to produce your Table of Contents (TOC); some methods are easier than others.

METHOD 1: Create TOC using Source Document

The preferred method to creating a "linked" Table of Contents is to do so within your source document (ie. Microsoft Word). A properly generated Table of Contents in a Word document easily converts to a Table of Contents in PDF.

METHOD 2: Create TOC using Links

If you are using a PDF document where there are no links inside an existing Table of Contents, the links can be added manually utilizing the link tool and/or the form button tool.

1. Under the Tools menu, select Advance Editing, then select the Link Tool.
2. Next, capture the text that you would like to make a link.
3. In the Create Link menu ensure that the Link action "open web page" is selected, then select Next.
4. Fill in the Edit URL window, then select OK.
   
   

METHOD 3: Button Link Method

For the Button Link method.

1. Select Tools menu then scroll down to Forms, select the Button Tool
   
   
2. Highlight the text you wish to link with the cursor.
3. Once the text has been selected double click on the text to open the Button Properties.
4. Select the Action Tab and then select the Action "open a web link".
5. Select ADD, then an Edit URL window will open.
6. Fill in the URL
7. Select OK
   
   
   

4. How do I check the Table of Contents to make sure it is properly linked?

Merely place the cursor over the title or page number and click your mouse. If the TOC is linked up, you should automatically be taken to the designated page.

5. If I have a Table of Contents, do I have to insert Bookmarks too?

It is not required, but it IS strongly encouraged.

6. How do I create Bookmarks during the conversion from MS Word to PDF?

Assuming your MS Word source file was created utilizing the automated Table of Contents method, you can take the following step to ensure Bookmarks will be created during conversion from Word to PDF.

From the MS Word Toolbar select the Menu Item for Adobe PDF. Then select "Change Conversation Settings". The screen for Acrobat PDFMaker will appear on your screen (see below). To add bookmarks, make sure the checkbox next to "Add Bookmarks to Adobe PDF" is checked. If the box is checked, bookmarks will also be created using the information from the Word table of contents.

 

Last Update: 2/7/2009