How to Fix Images Appearing in Word Table of Contents
Question details
Images or unexpected paragraphs are showing up in the Table of Contents instead of just text headings.
- Product
- Word Processing
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Generating or updating a Table of Contents in a document containing both headings and embedded images.
- Observed behavior
- Pictures and non-heading text elements appear inside the Table of Contents.
Ensure your document's Table of Contents is fully generated and identify exactly which images or unexpected text strings are appearing in it.
Apply Normal Style directly to the Images
Images might inherit 'Heading' styles if placed near headings. Changing their style to 'Normal' will exclude them from the Table of Contents.
Embedded images in a document can surprisingly retain text formatting characteristics, such as Heading styles. By clearing this style, the Table of Contents will ignore the image during its next update.
Locate the problematic image in the document body and click directly on the photograph or graphic to select it.
Navigate to the 'Home' tab, locate the 'Styles' gallery, and select the 'Normal' style to remove any heading properties.
Right-click on your Table of Contents, choose 'Update Field', and select 'Update entire table' to refresh the entries.
Separate Images from Heading Paragraphs
If an image is inserted in the exact same paragraph as a heading, the TOC will pull both. Move the image to a standard body paragraph.
Remove the \u Switch from TOC Field Codes
An advanced fix involving the modification of the hidden TOC field code to prevent it from pulling unexpected paragraph styles.
Manage Document Formatting Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive Styles and Formatting pane, making it easy to generate clean, professional Tables of Contents without unexpected images or text.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open the document containing the Table of Contents issue.
- 2. Adjust image styles: Select the problematic image in the body text, go to the Home tab, and click the 'Normal' style from the style gallery.
- 3. Update TOC: Go to the References tab, click 'Update TOC', and select 'Update entire table' to finalize your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pictures end up in my Table of Contents?
Pictures appear in the Table of Contents when they are placed on the same line as a heading, or when the embedded image itself has accidentally inherited a 'Heading' style from surrounding text.
Can an image retain text formatting?
Yes, embedded images in word processors can inherit paragraph styles like 'Heading 1' or 'Heading 2'. Selecting the image and applying the 'Normal' style removes this specific formatting.
What does updating the entire table mean?
Updating the entire table refreshes both the page numbers and the content (headings) pulled into the TOC. If you change a heading or an image's style, you must update the entire table to see the changes reflected.
What is the Alt+F9 shortcut used for?
Pressing Alt+F9 toggles the display of field codes in your document, allowing you to manually view and edit the hidden instructions that generate dynamic elements like the Table of Contents.
