Index Formatting
An index is a curated retrieval tool rather than a duplicate table of contents. Word can mark entries and generate an alphabetized index with page references, but editorial choices about terms, subentries and cross-references still require human judgment.
An index organizes selected terms and topics alphabetically and points readers to their locations; mark meaningful entries consistently and use cross-references only where they help retrieval.
Key details
Important caveats
Tool Boundary
Word can sort marked entries and generate page references automatically; exact index style and depth depend on the publication or house style.
Further guidance
Cross References
Use index cross-references to redirect readers between synonymous or related entry terms when that improves findability.
Entry Design
Index concepts readers are likely to seek, using consistent main entries and subentries rather than indexing every repeated word.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Create and update an index — Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Index entries, cross-references, sorting and page-reference generation