Creating Collapsible Headings and Document Outlines in Microsoft Word

Creating Collapsible Headings and Document Outlines in Microsoft Word

Make use of the countless features in Microsoft Word to better organise your documents and create an air of professionalism. Some of the functions you should be using for organising purposes is collapsible headings and document outlines, especially when your document contains a lot of material. Here’s how you can begin creating them:

Document outlines are usually a structure-like arrangement that helps readers understand and focus on the topics that are presented in the document. This is exceptionally useful for documents that are a lot more complex, since it breaks it down into easily interpreted levels and headings. Collapsible headings are a useful feature that can help since it breaks down large amounts of documents under headings that can be expanded whenever necessary, providing interactivity as well as a small break for the eyes.

To create document outlines with a document as reference

To generate a document outline, look for the view tab and choose the outline option. You will be able to see a generated outline of your document, inclusive of headings, organised by levels. You can make use of outline view to either create or edit the headings, adjust the heading levels and even rearrange it until you are satisfied with the final look.

If you don’t have headings just yet in your documents, you will only see bulleted lists, with separations for paragraphs.

To create document outlines without reference

To begin creating your document outline, look for the home button and choose the paragraph group. You will be able to select the arrow connected next to multilevel list. This will enable you to choose outline styles from your library. Once you have chosen the ones you like, simply begin typing to start making a list. To make new list levels, press on the tab key before you continue to type. If you want to return to the previous list level, you can press Enter.

To create collapsible headings

To give readers the option to collapse or expand sections so they can focus on the essential parts, you can begin creating collapsible headings. Hover over the heading you want to make collapsible and choose the home tab. Under the paragraph group, you will be able to locate the dialog box launcher. You can then find the collapsed by default option and select that.

These are the current methods of creating document outlines and collapsible headings. While they do take up certain additional steps, going through the effort of doing so can bring about much more benefits to your word document.