Formatting Issues

How to Create Separate English and French Tables of Contents in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to create two distinct tables of contents (one in English and one in French) within the same document, ensuring each TOC only displays entries for its respective language.

Product: Microsoft Word / WPS Writer
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a bilingual document where English and French headings must be compiled into two separate tables of contents rather than a single combined list.
Observed behavior: By default, a standard TOC aggregates all headings based on outline levels, mixing both languages together instead of keeping them isolated.

Before you start

Ensure that hidden text formatting is visible in your document settings so you can easily view, insert, and edit the hidden TC (Table of Contents Entry) fields.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Distinct Field Identifiers for English and French TC Entries

Assign unique switch identifiers to your TC fields to categorize entries without relying on outline levels.

To prevent headings from mixing in a single TOC, you must manually tag each heading using TC fields instead of relying on default heading styles. By assigning a distinct field identifier (switch) to each language, you create separate categories that can be pulled independently.

Insert TC fields for English headings

Select an English heading, press Ctrl+F9 to insert field brackets, and type your TC entry with an 'e' identifier, like so: { TC "Your English Heading" \f e }.

Insert TC fields for French headings

Repeat the process for French headings, but use the 'f' identifier to categorize it separately, like so: { TC "Your French Heading" \f f }.

Verify field correctness

Review your existing TC fields. Ensure each entry uses the distinct field identifiers (\f e and \f f) to separate the entries. You do not need to specify table 1 or table 2 within the entry itself.

Hidden Text: TC fields are formatted as hidden text. You must click the 'Show/Hide ¶' button on the Home tab to view and edit them.

Solution 2

Configure TOC Fields to Read Specific Language Switches

Modify the actual TOC generation fields to pull entries matching your language switches while removing generic outline-level numbers.

WPS Writer Solution

Easily Manage Multiple Tables of Contents with WPS Writer

WPS Writer fully supports advanced field codes like TC and TOC, allowing you to create complex bilingual documents with separate tables of contents effortlessly. It handles field identifiers exactly like Microsoft Word.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open your bilingual document.
2. Insert TC Fields via the interface: Go to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Field', and choose 'TC' to insert your entries with specific switches like \f e or \f f.
3. Toggle Field Codes: Press Alt+F9 to reveal field codes, allowing you to manually edit your TOC fields to match your language switches.
4. Update the Tables: Select your TOC, press F9 to update, and watch your perfectly separated English and French tables generate instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word field codes and TOC formatting.Intuitive interface for inserting, viewing, and toggling hidden text and field codes.Lightweight and fast, handling large bilingual documents smoothly.Free and highly customizable for professional document formatting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my English and French TOC entries mixing together?

This happens if your TOC is using the default \o switch, which pulls headings based on outline levels regardless of language. You must remove the \o switch from the TOC field and use specific \f switches (like \f e and \f f) to separate them.

How do I view hidden TC fields in my document?

TC fields are formatted as hidden text by default. You can view them by clicking the 'Show/Hide ¶' button on the Home tab, or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+8.

Do I need to name the tables (like Table 1 and Table 2) in the TC fields?

No, specifying table numbers is unnecessary. Using distinct field identifiers (such as \f e and \f f) is the standard and most effective way to separate TOC entries.

How do I update the Tables of Contents after adding new headings?

Click anywhere inside the Table of Contents you want to update and press the F9 key on your keyboard. If prompted, select 'Update entire table'.

Document & File Issues