ToCs

ToCs, short for Table of Contents, is a navigational list in a document that enumerates sections and subsections along with their locations, such as page numbers or hyperlinks. It serves as an outline and quick guide to the work’s structure, helping readers understand scope and locate topics efficiently.

The ToC is commonly used in books, reports, articles, manuals, and websites. In print, it appears at the front or within front matter; in digital formats, it provides clickable links that jump to the corresponding sections. Its presence can improve readability and orientation in long or complex works.

A typical Table of Contents is hierarchical, presenting major sections first and nesting subsections beneath them. Entries are often numbered (for example, 1 or 1.1) or indented without numbers. Page numbers or live hyperlinks indicate where each section begins. Designers may include dot leaders or other visual cues to guide the eye from the entry to its location.

Generation and formats vary by tool. Word processors and typesetting systems can generate a ToC automatically from the document’s headings. LaTeX uses commands like \tableofcontents to assemble entries. In Markdown and many content management systems, ToCs may be generated by extensions or plugins. In HTML, a ToC is typically constructed from anchor links to sections and may be augmented with a nav element for accessibility.

Accessibility and usability considerations include using proper semantic markup, ensuring that links are keyboard reachable, and avoiding excessive depth that can overwhelm readers. Regularly updating the ToC is important if the document structure changes.