How To Keep Table of Contents Clickable After Word to PDF Conversion

Smallpdf’s Word to PDF makes this process easy and efficient. This guide will show you how to create, convert, and maintain a clickable table of contents seamlessly.

What Is a Clickable Table of Contents in PDF?

A clickable table of contents allows readers to jump directly to specific sections in a document by clicking on titles or headings. It’s essential for long documents, manuals, and reports because it makes navigation simple and smooth.

Benefits of Using Smallpdf for This Task

• High-quality performance with advanced conversion technology.
• TLS Encryption and automatic server deletion for total file security.
• Compatible with all devices—no downloads required.
• Additional tools like “Edit PDF” and “PDF Annotator” come in handy to refine your document further.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s take you step by step through the process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Word Document

Begin by organizing your document in Word with a proper structure. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use Built-In Heading Styles

Go to the “Home” tab in Word and apply heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) to the main titles and subheadings in your document. These styles are the backbone of creating a clickable table of contents later.

• Insert the Table of Contents (ToC)

To add a ToC in Google Docs, place your cursor where you want it. Click "Insert" in the menu, scroll to "Table of Contents," and pick a format.

I. Add Headings

Use "Normal text" in the toolbar to select a heading style. Write your headings, and they'll appear as labels in the ToC.

II. Update the ToC

Right-click the ToC placeholder and choose "Update table of contents" to display your headings.

• Check Links

Before converting, make sure that each heading links correctly to its section. You can test this by holding down the “Ctrl” key and clicking each link in Word.

Once your Word document is polished and contains a clickable table of contents, you’re ready to convert it.

Step 2: Convert Word to PDF

Next up, open your browser and head over to Smallpdf’s PDF Converter. Here's how to convert your document into a PDF while keeping the clickable functionality intact:

1. Open the “Word to PDF”

On the Smallpdf homepage under "Tools", click on "Word to PDF" under the "Convert to PDF" category.

2. Upload Your File

Hit the “Choose Files” button, or simply drag and drop your Word document into the upload box.

3. Automatic Conversion

Smallpdf will instantly start converting your file. The process takes just a few seconds.

4. Download Your PDF

Once the conversion is complete, download your new file or save it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or Smallpdf Storage. Your clickable table of contents will remain intact in the PDF!

All file transfers on Smallpdf are secured with TLS encryption, and the files are deleted from servers an hour after processing.

Step 3: Enhance Your PDF Document

Smallpdf goes beyond basic conversion. After converting, you can refine your PDF using additional tools available under the View & Edit section:

• PDF Annotator for adding comments and highlights.
• Edit PDF to make tweaks to text or images.
• Number Pages for better document organization.

These tools ensure your document is polished and professional.

FAQs

Why is my Word table of contents not clickable in the PDF?

This often happens if you didn’t use Word’s built-in heading styles or auto-generated table of contents. Make sure to format headings properly in Word before using Smallpdf to convert.

How do I make a Word table of contents clickable in a PDF?

By formatting headings in Word and using our Word to PDF, your clickable table of contents will transfer seamlessly into the PDF.

Can I edit the table of contents once it’s in PDF format?

Yes! Use our Edit PDF to make changes directly to your PDF file.

Maximizing Your Workflow

And there you have it! Creating and converting documents with a clickable table of contents from Word to PDF has never been easier. Thanks to Smallpdf’s intuitive features, you can achieve professional-quality results in just moments. Got a long manual, thesis, or report to share? Save time and enhance navigation for your audience by following the steps above.