Formatting Issues

How to Format Word Index or Glossary Entries with Tabs and No Page Numbers

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to create a document index or glossary where the main entry and its definition appear on the same line, separated by a tab space, and without any page numbers.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a customized index or glossary layout that deviates from standard hierarchical index formats.
Observed behavior: Standard Word index subentries are automatically placed on a separate line and typically include page numbers, which prevents the user from achieving the desired single-line tabbed layout.

Before you start

Before modifying your index or glossary, ensure your document's ruler is visible (go to the View tab and check Ruler) so you can easily set and verify manual tab stops for your entries.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Custom Glossary Layout with Styles

Because standard index fields force subentries onto new lines, manually setting up a custom glossary layout using paragraph styles is the most reliable way to keep entries and definitions on the same line without page numbers.

Word's built-in Index tool is designed for traditional back-of-book indexing, meaning it automatically structures subentries on new lines. A glossary approach gives you full control over horizontal alignment and removes the complication of unwanted page numbers.

Create a new Glossary style

Open the Styles pane (Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S) and click the 'New Style' button at the bottom. Name the style 'Glossary Entry'.

Set up the tab stop

In the Modify Style dialog, click 'Format' at the bottom left, select 'Tabs', and set a left tab stop at your desired measurement (e.g., 2 inches) where the definition should start.

Adjust paragraph indentation

Click 'Format', select 'Paragraph', and set a Hanging Indent matching your tab stop measurement so long definitions wrap cleanly under the tabbed space.

Format your text

Type your main entry, press the Tab key on your keyboard, type the definition, and apply your newly created 'Glossary Entry' style to the paragraph.

Solution 2

Generate a Custom Table of Contents Using TC Fields

You can manipulate the Table of Contents (TOC) feature by using manually inserted TC fields to format entries and definitions, then generating a TOC that omits page numbers.

Solution 3

Modify Built-in Index Styles for Indentation

If you are strictly required to use the Index feature, you can adjust the built-in Index 1 and Index 2 styles to control indentation, though subentries will still default to the next line.

WPS Writer Solution

Format Custom Glossaries Easily in WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides robust style management and precise tab stop settings, allowing you to easily create professional glossaries or customized lists with main entries and definitions perfectly aligned on the same line.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you want to add the glossary.
2. Create a new paragraph style: Navigate to the Home tab, click the Settings icon in the Styles pane, and choose 'New Style'.
3. Configure tab stops: In the formatting options, configure a specific tab stop and hanging indent for your entries to ensure clean alignment.
4. Apply and type: Apply the style, type your glossary term, press Tab, and enter your definition on the same line.

Advanced paragraph style customization for creating unique glossary layouts.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx and .doc).Intuitive visual ruler and tab stop management for precise alignment.Flexible Table of Contents generation without forced page numbers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely remove page numbers from a standard Word Index?

Yes, you can omit page numbers when generating the index by unchecking the 'Show page numbers' box in the Index dialog, or by manually removing the page number switch from the INDEX field code. However, this does not fix the issue of subentries appearing on a new line.

Why do my index subentries automatically go to the next line?

Word's default Index styles are hardcoded to place subentries (Index 2, Index 3, etc.) on new lines beneath the main entry to maintain a traditional, hierarchical back-of-book index structure.

What is the difference between an Index and a Glossary in Word?

An Index is an alphabetical list of keywords and their corresponding document page numbers, automatically generated based on marked text. A Glossary is a list of terms and their definitions, which does not require page numbers and is usually typed and formatted manually.

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