Fix a Word Bookmark Table of Contents Replacing a Sub-TOC in WPS Writer
Question details
The user needs to stop a bookmark-based table of contents from replacing a subordinate table of contents and control page-number positions through TOC style tab stops.
- Product
- WPS Office Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is working in a document that contains a bookmark-based main table of contents and a subordinate TOC, and the subordinate TOC is being overwritten or visually replaced.
- Observed behavior
- The bookmark-based Word table of contents inserts page numbers and can replace the subordinate table of contents with the main table layout.
Open the affected document in WPS Writer and display paragraph marks and rulers so you can see the tab stops used by the TOC styles before making changes.
Modify TOC 3 through TOC 9 Styles to Move Page Numbers Outside the Page
Use this when the bookmark TOC keeps pulling the subordinate TOC page-number tab stop into the visible page area; it prevents the sub-TOC from being replaced by the main TOC layout.
Word and WPS Writer control TOC page-number positions through TOC styles and their tab stops. If TOC 3 through TOC 9 styles keep a normal page-number tab stop, the subordinate TOC can be replaced or pushed by the main TOC layout.
In WPS Writer, click the Home tab and open the Styles task pane to see the TOC styles used in the document.
Right-click one of the affected TOC 3 through TOC 9 styles in the Styles task pane, choose Modify, then click Format > Tabs.
In the Tabs dialog, select the existing page-number tab stop such as 6.02 inches and click Clear to remove it.
Enter 8 inches in the Tab stop position box, select None under Leader, click Set, then click OK.
Apply the same change consistently to each TOC 3 through TOC 9 style used by the bookmark TOC and subordinate TOC, then update the TOC field.
Create a Separate Bookmark TOC Field for the Subordinate Table
Use this if you want to isolate the subordinate TOC from the main TOC field instead of changing global TOC styles.
Fix the Bookmark TOC and Sub-TOC Tab Stops in WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer to modify the TOC 3–TOC 9 styles, place page-number tab stops outside the visible page, and update the TOC field so the subordinate table of contents stays independent.
- 1. Open the document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office, open the affected .docx file, and click the Home tab to access styles.
- 2. Modify TOC 3–TOC 9 styles: Open the Styles task pane, right-click each TOC 3 through TOC 9 style, choose Modify > Format > Tabs, and clear the existing page-number tab stop.
- 3. Set an outside-page tab stop: Add a tab stop at 8 inches with no leader and click OK to apply the change to each affected style.
- 4. Update the TOC field: Right-click the main or subordinate TOC, choose Update Field, and verify that the subordinate TOC remains in its own location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my bookmark TOC replace the sub-TOC?
The TOC 3 through TOC 9 styles can contain a page-number tab stop that pulls the subordinate TOC into the main TOC layout. Clearing that stop and setting a tab outside the page prevents the replacement.
How do I remove a TOC leader tab stop in WPS Writer?
Open the Home tab, display the Styles task pane, right-click the TOC style, choose Modify > Format > Tabs, select the tab stop, and click Clear.
Can I update only the subordinate TOC after changing styles?
Yes. Right-click the subordinate TOC and choose Update Field. If field codes are shown with Alt+F9, check that the TOC field uses the bookmark switch for that section.
Does this work for .docx files created in Microsoft Word?
Yes. WPS Writer is compatible with .docx TOC fields and styles, so the same TOC tab-stop modifications apply.
What tab stop position should I use instead of 6.02 inches?
Use a position outside the page area, such as 8 inches, with no leader, and apply it consistently to each TOC 3 through TOC 9 style.
