Insert Table of Contents in WPS on Windows: Introduction

Last updated:July 15, 2026

Insert Table of Contents in WPS on Windows is a PDF text editing feature for applying a table-of-contents effect to selected text; it includes 4 core tasks, with 0 available without membership and 4 membership-related items.

At a Glance

MetricValueNotes
Core tasks4Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership0Matches the number of Free rows in the index
Membership-related items4Matches the number of membership-required rows in the index

About This Feature

Overview

Insert Table of Contents in WPS on Windows is a PDF editing feature that lets you apply a table-of-contents effect to selected text inside a PDF. It is useful when you want to make section titles easier to identify in long PDF files without returning to the original source file.

Core tasks include:

  • Open PDF content editing from the Edit tab.
  • Switch to text editing mode before selecting text.
  • Apply the table-of-contents effect from the ribbon toolbar.
  • Apply or remove the same effect from the floating toolbar.

This workflow is suitable for manuals, reports, training materials, and other structured PDF documents that need clearer section navigation during review or revision.

System Requirements

ItemRequirement
Operating systemA Windows device that can run WPS Office
App versionIt is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
NetworkNo constant connection is required for local editing; internet access is needed for download, sign-in, and subscription-related actions
OtherYou need to open an editable PDF file; PDF editing features require a signed-in account with applicable access

Source: System Requirements for WPS Office

Download & Installation

ItemDetails
Official downloadWPS Office Free Download
Check after installationOpen WPS Office, load a PDF file, and confirm that the Edit tab shows entries such as Edit Content

Source: WPS download page

Compare with Alternatives

DimensionWPSMicrosoftGoogleNotionAdobe
Capability SummaryLets you enter PDF text editing mode in WPS and apply a table-of-contents effect to selected text from the toolbar or floating toolbar.Word creates a table of contents from heading styles and supports updating and formatting it, mainly for editable Word documents rather than direct PDF text selection.Google Docs inserts a table of contents from document headings and lets users refresh it after heading changes in online documents.Notion provides a table of contents as an advanced block for page navigation inside block-based documents.Acrobat uses bookmarks and page thumbnails for PDF navigation, and bookmarks can be generated from table-of-contents entries created by authoring applications.
WPS AdvantagesAdvantage: Works directly in a PDF text editing workflow and provides both ribbon and floating-toolbar entry points for the same action.Compared with WPS: focuses on heading-based automatic tables of contents in Word documents, not the same PDF text editing path.Compared with WPS: depends on heading structure in Google Docs and does not provide the same PDF text editing entry.Compared with WPS: uses a page block for navigation and is designed for workspace pages rather than direct PDF text editing.Compared with WPS: emphasizes bookmarks and PDF navigation structure; the workflow differs when the goal is to edit PDF text and apply a text-level effect.
Official SourceInsert a table of contentsAdd a title, heading, or table of contents in a documentTypes of content blocksPage thumbnails and bookmarks in PDFs

Overall Conclusion
If your main task is to edit text directly inside a PDF and mark selected text with a table-of-contents effect, WPS follows a more direct PDF editing path. If your document is still being authored in Word, Google Docs, or Notion, those products are more oriented toward heading-based or block-based navigation structures.

Use Cases

No.ScenarioSuitable forMain issueHow this feature helps
1Training material cleanupTrainers and internal educatorsSection levels are hard to identify in exported PDFsApply the effect to title text in the PDF
2Manual structure improvementTechnical writers and support teamsLong PDFs are slow to scanHighlight key sections with the table-of-contents effect
3Report review preparationOffice users and project membersExported PDFs are harder to browse quicklyAdd structure cues directly in the PDF
4Final PDF touch-upUsers who revise completed PDFsThey do not want to return to the original fileEdit text and apply the effect inside WPS PDF
5Pre-submission document checkReviewers and team leadsThe document structure is not clear enough before sharingImprove section visibility before saving

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

CapabilityFree usersWPS Premium
Basic PDF featuresAvailableAvailable
PDF text editingLimitedAvailable
Apply a table-of-contents effect to PDF textMembership requiredAvailable
More PDF editing toolsLimitedAvailable

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Usage scenarioRecommended planWhy
Occasional PDF viewing and light handlingFreeSuitable for reading and basic PDF tasks
Frequent PDF text and structure editingWPS PremiumBetter suited for repeated use of PDF editing and related tools
Shared PDF editing needs in a teamChoose a plan from the official pricing optionsHelps match subscription scope to actual users and workflows

How to Subscribe

Source: WPS Office pricing page