Document Editing Problems

How to Create Multiple Tables of Contents in Word with EndNote Fields

Elise Williams Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to generate multiple, chapter-specific tables of contents in a Word document containing EndNote fields, while ensuring that hidden TC field codes do not remain permanently visible.

How to Create Multiple Tables of Contents in Word with EndNote Fields

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating chapter-specific TOCs in a complex academic or professional document using TC fields and EndNote citations.
Observed behavior: TC field codes and EndNote citations remain visible on the screen despite using standard Show/Hide toggles or Alt+F9 commands.

Before you start

Ensure your EndNote software is updated to the latest version and save a secure backup copy of your document before modifying any field codes, especially if using shortcuts that permanently convert fields to text.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Word Advanced Settings to Hide Field Codes

Modify Word's advanced display settings to properly hide TC fields and EndNote codes so they do not remain permanently visible in your document view.

TC fields are technically formatted as hidden text. In some situations, Word forces hidden text to be displayed so that field codes remain visible. Adjusting your core options fixes this display overlap.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Word ribbon, then select 'Options' at the very bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab on the left navigation pane.

Locate Document Content Display

Scroll down the right pane until you reach the 'Show document content' section.

Disable Field Codes Display

Uncheck the box next to 'Show field codes instead of their values' if it is currently enabled. Additionally, ensure that 'Hidden text' is unchecked under the formatting marks display settings.

Apply and Toggle Alt+F9

Click 'OK' to save the changes. If your field codes are still visible on the page, press 'Alt + F9' to toggle the field code display off manually.

Adjust Word Advanced Settings to Hide Field Codes

Warning on Field Conversion: Do not press Ctrl+Shift+F9 unless you intentionally want to break the links and permanently convert all active fields (like your EndNote citations and TOCs) into static text.

Solution 2

Create Chapter-Specific TOCs Using Bookmarks

Use text bookmarks and field switches to seamlessly restrict a Table of Contents to a specific chapter or section.

WPS Document Editor

Create Complex Tables of Contents Easily in WPS Office

WPS Writer provides a user-friendly way to manage customized headings, document styles, and multiple tables of contents without the hassle of constantly wrestling with hidden field code settings.

1. Format Your Headings: Open your academic or professional document in WPS Writer. Highlight your chapter titles and subheadings, then apply 'Heading 1', 'Heading 2', etc., from the styles gallery on the Home tab.
2. Insert the TOC: Place your cursor at the beginning of the desired chapter or section. Navigate to the 'Reference' tab on the top ribbon and click 'Table of Contents'.
3. Customize the Levels: Select 'Insert Table of Contents' from the drop-down menu to customize the specific heading levels, tab leaders, and styles you want visible for that particular chapter.
4. Update Effortlessly: As you add or remove content, simply click anywhere inside the generated Table of Contents and click 'Update TOC' to instantly refresh the page numbers and text entries.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) table of contents formatting and standard field codes.Simplified visual interface for inserting, modifying, and updating TOCs per chapter.Prevents hidden field code conflicts that commonly cause academic citations to display incorrectly.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for both personal and professional document editing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Table of Contents (TC) fields show up as visible text instead of a formatted table?

TC fields are formatted as hidden text by default. If your document displays them as raw text braces, you likely have 'Hidden text' enabled or 'Show field codes instead of their values' checked in your advanced Word options. Unchecking these settings via File > Options > Advanced, or pressing Alt+F9, will usually hide the raw codes.

What happens to my EndNote citations if I press Ctrl+Shift+F9?

Pressing Ctrl+Shift+F9 permanently breaks the dynamic link between the field codes and the EndNote add-in. It forcefully converts all active fields—including citations, bibliographies, and tables of contents—into plain, static text. Always keep a backup before using this shortcut, as the conversion cannot be easily undone.

Can I have a separate Table of Contents for each individual chapter in the same document?

Yes. You can create chapter-specific TOCs by using bookmarks to define the text scope of each chapter and adding a specific bookmark switch (\b) to the custom TOC field code, or by utilizing carefully mapped TC fields specifically targeted to each chapter's section.

How do I update all tables of contents in my document simultaneously?

You can quickly update all automated fields in a document, including multiple tables of contents and EndNote citations, by pressing Ctrl+A to select the entire document text, and then pressing F9. The program will prompt you to choose whether to update page numbers only or the entire table for each TOC.

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