Document Editing Problems

How to Use Bookmarks and Navigation in Word 2019

John WilsonJohn Wilson Nov 4, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to know how to locate the traditional bookmarking feature and efficiently navigate through large documents using bookmarks and the Navigation Pane in Word 2019.

How to Use Bookmarks and Navigation in Word 2019
Product
Microsoft Word 2019
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Editing or reviewing a large document where quick navigation to specific sections or saved locations is required.
Observed behavior
Users have difficulty finding the traditional bookmarking functionality and navigation features in the Word 2019 interface.
Before you start

Ensure your document has existing text or headings where you want to place your bookmarks, and familiarize yourself with the top ribbon menu structure.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Display Bookmarks in Your Document

Add bookmarks to specific locations in your document and enable bookmark markers in the settings so you can see exactly where they are placed.

Bookmarks are excellent for marking a specific location or selection of text in a lengthy document. By default, Word does not show where bookmarks are located, so enabling the visual markers is highly recommended for easier editing.

1
Insert a Bookmark

Select the text or click the exact location where you want to insert a bookmark. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and click 'Bookmark' in the Links group. Type a name (without spaces) and click 'Add'.

2
Access Advanced Options

To make bookmarks visible on the page, click on the 'File' tab, then select 'Options' at the bottom left to open the Word Options window, and choose 'Advanced' from the left menu.

3
Show Bookmark Markers

Scroll down to the 'Show document content' section. Check the box for 'Show bookmarks' and click 'OK'. Your bookmarks will now appear in the document as gray brackets.

Create and Display Bookmarks in Your Document
Bookmark Naming Rules: Bookmark names must begin with a letter and can contain numbers, but they cannot include spaces. Use underscores if you need to separate words.
Efficient Document Navigation

Manage Bookmarks Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides an intuitive, clutter-free interface for adding bookmarks and navigating large documents. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Word features, ensuring all your structural headings and saved locations function flawlessly.

  1. 1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file containing the lengthy text you want to navigate.
  2. 2. Insert a Bookmark: Highlight your target text, navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Bookmark', assign a name, and click 'Add'.
  3. 3. Access the Navigation Pane: Go to the 'View' tab and click 'Navigation Pane' to easily browse through your document's heading structure and layout.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) bookmarks, headings, and formatting.Lightweight architecture ensures large documents load and navigate without lag.Clean, user-friendly UI makes finding the Insert Bookmark and Navigation Pane tools effortless.Free to download and use for all your essential word processing tasks.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the bookmarks I just added in Word 2019?

By default, Word hides bookmark brackets to keep the document looking clean when printing or reading. To view them while editing, navigate to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the 'Show document content' section, and check the 'Show bookmarks' option.

Can a bookmark name contain spaces?

No, bookmark names in Word cannot contain spaces. If you need to separate words for readability, use an underscore (e.g., Chapter_One) instead of a space. Additionally, every bookmark name must begin with a letter.

Is there a way to see a list of all bookmarks directly in the Navigation Pane?

The Navigation Pane in Word 2019 primarily displays structural headings, pages, and search results; it does not list bookmarks. To see a comprehensive list of all your bookmarks, press F5 to open the Go To dialog and select 'Bookmark' from the list.

How do I delete a bookmark I no longer need?

To delete a bookmark, go to Insert > Bookmark to open the Bookmark dialog box. Select the name of the bookmark you want to remove from the alphabetical list and click the 'Delete' button. The text itself will remain in your document, but the bookmark reference will be removed.