Writer, Table of Contents, Multiple Columns


In LibreOffice 26.2, it is possible to format your Table of Contents (TOC) into multiple columns. This is a great way to save space, especially if your document has many short headings.Because a TOC is a protected section by default, you don't format it the same way you would regular text. Here is how to set it up:

Method 1: During Initial Creation
If you haven't created your TOC yet, follow these steps:
  1. Go to Insert > Table of Contents and Index > Table of Contents, Index or Bibliography.
  2. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Columns tab.
  3. Select the number of columns you want (e.g., 2 or 3).
  4. (Optional) Adjust the Spacing between columns or add a Separator line for better readability.
Click OK.

Method 2: Editing an Existing TOC  If you already have a TOC in your document:
  1. Right-click anywhere inside the Table of Contents.
  2. Select Edit Index.
  3. Navigate to the Columns tab.
  4. Choose your desired layout and click OK.

Pro-Tips for Columnar TOCs

Check Alignment: Sometimes page numbers can look cluttered in columns. Ensure your "Tabs" in the Entries tab are set to "Right-aligned" so the numbers stay tidy against the edge of the column.

Section Breaks: LibreOffice treats the TOC as its own section. If your columns look uneven, you may want to check the Type tab and ensure "Protected against manual changes" is checked; this ensures the formatting stays consistent even when you update the headings.
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