How to Create and Manage Table of Contents in Notion?

The table of contents (TOC) feature in Notion is an incredibly useful tool for organizing lengthy pages, making it easy for readers to jump to specific sections. With a TOC, you can automatically generate an interactive list of headings on any page, creating a clear structure that improves navigation and readability. Whether you’re building a report, tutorial, or documentation, the TOC provides a roadmap for your content.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to create a table of contents in Notion, manage it effectively, and share best practices for using TOCs to enhance your pages. By mastering the TOC feature, you can make your Notion pages more user-friendly and organized.

Also Read: How to Add Inline Equations and Formulas in Notion?

Adding a Table of Contents Block in Notion

The table of contents block in Notion automatically generates a list of all headings on a page, making it simple to create a structured layout. This block updates dynamically, so any changes to headings are reflected in real-time.

Steps to add a table of contents block:

1. Navigate to the Notion page where you want to add the TOC.
2. Type /table of contents and select Table of Contents from the block menu.
3. The TOC block will appear on your page, displaying links to all headings.

The TOC block works with all heading levels (H1, H2, and H3), providing a hierarchy that helps readers understand the structure of the page. For example, a tutorial page might include an H1 heading for “Introduction,” H2 headings for each main topic, and H3 subheadings for detailed sections.

Also Read: How to Create and Use Toggles Blocks and Nested Content in Notion?

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Structuring Your Page with Headings for an Effective TOC

To create a well-organized TOC, it’s important to use consistent headings throughout your page. Notion’s TOC block relies on these headings to generate links, so structuring your content with H1, H2, and H3 headings ensures that your TOC is clear and easy to follow.

• H1 for Main Sections: Use H1 headings for major sections, such as “Overview,” “Features,” or “Conclusion.” These headings act as primary navigation points in your TOC.
• H2 for Subsections: Use H2 headings for important subsections within each main section, such as “Step-by-Step Guide” or “Benefits.”
• H3 for Detailed Points: Use H3 headings for detailed subpoints, such as “Step 1: Getting Started” or “Additional Tips.”

Example TOC structure:

• Introduction (H1)
• Features (H1)
  • What’s Included (H2)
  • Key Benefits (H2)
• Getting Started (H1)
  • Step 1: Setup (H2)
    • System Requirements (H3)
    • Installation Process (H3)

Following a structured hierarchy with headings ensures that your TOC remains organized and easy to navigate.

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Customizing the Placement and Layout of the Table of Contents

The TOC block can be placed anywhere on the page, but for best results, it’s often positioned near the top of the page, providing readers with an overview before diving into the content. You can also experiment with layouts to find what works best for your page design.

• Positioning the TOC at the Top: Placing the TOC near the top gives readers a quick outline of the content, helping them decide which sections to explore first.
• Using Side Columns for the TOC: If you’re working with a multi-column layout, try placing the TOC in a side column. This setup keeps the TOC visible as readers scroll, providing quick access to each section.
• Adding Spacing and Dividers: For a clean look, add spacing above and below the TOC or use dividers to separate it from the main content.

Steps to customize TOC placement:

1. Click and drag the TOC block to move it to your preferred location.
2. Use /divider to add a visual break between the TOC and other content.
3. Experiment with different positions and layouts to enhance readability and navigation.

Customizing the TOC placement ensures that it complements the rest of your page, creating a cohesive and user-friendly layout.

Also Read: How to Create and Manage Subpages in Notion?

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Managing TOC Links and Keeping Them Updated

Notion’s TOC block updates automatically as you add, remove, or change headings. This feature ensures that your TOC is always accurate, but it’s still important to manage your headings for readability and consistency.

Best practices for managing TOC links:

• Use Clear, Descriptive Headings: Make sure each heading clearly describes its section. Avoid vague titles like “More Info”—instead, use specific names such as “Setup Instructions” or “Troubleshooting Tips.”
• Keep Headings Concise: Long headings can make the TOC look cluttered. Aim for concise headings that capture the main idea without overwhelming the TOC.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure that all headings follow a similar style and format (e.g., title case vs. sentence case) to create a professional, polished look.

Following these guidelines ensures that your TOC remains readable and helpful even as your content grows.

Also Read: How to Use Undo/Redo Features in Notion?

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Using TOCs with Nested Pages for Complex Content

If you’re working with nested pages, consider adding a TOC on each subpage to create a well-organized system. This approach is ideal for complex projects or documentation where readers may need quick access to specific sections across multiple pages.

Steps to use TOCs with nested pages:

1. On each nested page, add a TOC block near the top to guide readers through that page’s content.
2. Use consistent headings across pages to maintain a cohesive structure.
3. If your project spans several pages, consider creating a main page with links to each subpage’s TOC, providing readers with an overview of the entire document.

Using TOCs on nested pages creates a navigable, hierarchical structure that’s easy to explore, helping readers quickly locate the information they need across multiple pages.

Also Read: How to Duplicate Pages and Blocks in Notion?

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Examples of TOCs in Action

Here are some practical ways to use TOCs in different types of Notion pages:

1. Project Documentation: For a project page, use the TOC to organize sections like “Project Goals,” “Timeline,” and “Resources.” This structure helps team members navigate the project details efficiently.
2. Study Notes: In a study notes page, add headings for each topic, such as “Chapter Summaries” and “Key Formulas,” then use the TOC to jump to specific chapters or concepts quickly.
3. Product Documentation: For product guides, create headings for sections like “Setup Instructions,” “Troubleshooting,” and “FAQ.” The TOC enables readers to access relevant sections without scrolling.

These examples illustrate how a well-organized TOC can transform Notion pages into structured, user-friendly documents.

Also Read: How to Add and Organize Bookmarks in Notion?

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Wrapping up: Creating and Managing Table of Contents in Notion

Creating and managing a table of contents in Notion enhances navigation and readability, especially on pages with extensive content. By using a TOC, structuring headings effectively, and positioning them strategically, you can transform your Notion pages into user-friendly, professional documents. Whether you’re organizing study notes, project documentation, or personal resources, mastering the TOC feature helps create a streamlined, accessible layout.

For more Notion tips and design ideas, visit Notion Yelp.

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