How to Create an Index in Microsoft Word

If you would like to include an index for your Microsoft Word document, you can use the Index tool to create one automatically for you in Word. Creating an index in Word is a two-step process where you first mark your index entries and then use those entries to create an index for your document.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Microsoft Word

Add Index Entries

1. Open a Microsoft Word document that you want to use to create an index.
2. Select the word or phrase to which you want the index entry to refer.
3. Choose the "Insert" menu, point to "Reference" and then click on "Index and Tables" to open the "Index and Tables" dialog box.
4. Click on the "Mark Entry" button at the bottom of the "Index and Tables" dialog box to open the "Mark Index Entry" dialog box.
5. Edit the text in the "Main entry" textbox and add a subentry if you need one.
6. Choose from the options of cross-reference, current page, page range or bookmark and specific the page number format for your entry.
7. Click the "Mark" button to mark your index entry for your current selection only or click the "Mark All" button to mark all instances of the same text.

Create the Index

8. Use your mouse to click where you want to insert the index.
9. Select the "Insert" menu, point to "Reference" and click on "Index and Tables…"
10. Choose the type of index you want as well as how many columns you would like to have and what language in which you would like the index to appear.
11. Decide whether you want to right align the numbers and the format of the index. Notice that when you change these options the preview in the "Print Preview" box will change.
12. Click the "OK" button to close the "Index and Tables" dialog box and insert an index into your document.

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