# WordPress table of contents: how to add one A WordPress table of contents is recommended for pages with longer content and subchapters as it creates a better page structure. This way you will not only improve the user experience, but also your SEO, as search engines will be able to categorize and rank your page better. To create a table of contents, you can use both handy WordPress plugins and the somewhat more elaborate list block with jump links. ## The advantages of a WordPress table of contents When using the open source software [WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/wordpress-the-cms-for-more-than-just-blogs/ "WordPress: The CMS for more than just blogs") to [create a WordPress site](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/creating-a-website-with-wordpress-a-beginners-guide/ "Creating a website with WordPress: a Beginner’s Guide"), or a [WordPress blog](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-blog/ "WordPress blog"), a table of contents helps site visitors find their way around, get a quick overview of the topics offered, and quickly understand the layout of the site. The same goes for search engines, which use [crawlers](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/what-is-a-web-crawler/ "What is a web crawler?") and [web scraping](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/web-development/what-is-web-scraping/ "What is web scraping?") to find, collect, and categorize web content. With a table of contents, search engines are able to read and rank your pages better. This way you ensure effective [search engine optimization](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/the-basics-of-search-engine-optimization/ "The basics of search engine optimization") and **better ranking in the SERPs** (Search Engine Result Pages). Google may even add jump links directly to your topics if you use a table of contents. This increases your visibility even more. --- ### Tip As well as a suitable [WordPress theme](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-themes-the-best-designs-for-your-website/ "WordPress themes: The best designs for your website") and a table of contents being an important part of a responsive WordPress site, a suitable domain is also important. With IONOS you can [register a domain](https://www.ionos.com/domains/domain-names "Register domain at IONOS") that fits your ideas exactly and offers Wildcard SSL, a domain lock, and a 2GB email inbox. --- ## WordPress plugins to create for a table of contents There is a [WordPress plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-plugins/ "WordPress plugins") for practically every need. When wondering how to add tables of contents on WordPress sites, there are numerous free plugins available that improve the design, structure, and your [WordPress SEO](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/wordpress-seo-tips/ "WordPress SEO tips"). The best plugins for a WordPress table of contents:
Plugin (free) Characteristics
Easy Table of Contents Widely used, multiple settings (post type, auto insert, placement), widget function as sticky sidebar
Table of Contents Plus Very popular plugin (large community), based on Wikipedia, settings for design, positioning, expand/collapse, and sitemap for all posts
LuckyWP Table of Contents Compatible with Gutenberg editor, SEO friendly, can insert automatically or manually, widget for sidebar plus smooth scrolling function
Heroic Table of Contents Default settings for tables of contents and integration/editing as block in Gutenberg editor (direct editing of subheadings)
--- ### Tip Get the most out of WordPress. Our guide articles contain all the important information on WordPress topics such as [WordPress theme elements](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-themes-elements-and-structure/ "WordPress themes: elements and structure"), [WordPress blog themes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-blog-themes/ "WordPress blog themes"), [activating WordPress theme and plugin editor](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/activate-wordpress-theme-and-plug-in-editor/ "Activate WordPress theme and plug-in editor"), [setting up WordPress staging](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/setting-up-wordpress-staging/ "Setting up WordPress staging"), [making WordPress faster](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/make-your-wordpress-faster/ "Make your WordPress faster"), and [creating a WordPress backup](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/create-wordpress-backup/ "Create WordPress backup"). --- ## Plugins for a WordPress table of contents in detail The basic function of **table of contents plugins** is usually similar. Page headings and subheadings are written down, marked with jump links, and linked in the table of contents. Depending on the plugin, **additional features** are added such as a sticky sidebar that allows the table of contents to move down the page as the reader scrolls, an expand and collapse function, individual editing options and, in some cases, support for the Gutenberg editor. Note, however, that you can’t install plugins if you have the free WordPress.com plan. ### Easy Table of Contents With just a few clicks, you can create an **automatic table of contents from the existing headings** with the [Easy Table of Contents](https://wordpress.org/plugins/easy-table-of-contents/ "Easy Table of Contents") plugin. In fact, Easy Table of Contents is considered to be a further development of the “Table of Contents Plus” plugin, which we present below. In comparison, ETC is known for its easy operation as well as a practical widget function that enables you to integrate the table into the sidebar. This way, the table of contents is always in view. Other features: You determine which post types are included in the table of contents, use the support of the “**Rank Math**” tool for keywords ranking, SEO analyses, and Google Trends. You also determine whether tables of contents are created for all posts via “Auto Insert” or manually and how subheadings (H1, H2, etc.) should be structured and designed. [![Image: Download page for the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/3/0/csm_wp_inhalt01_en_8b503c19c4.webp "Download page for the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wp_inhalt01_en.png) The “Easy Table of Contents” plugin enables you to create tables of contents from existing headings. / Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/easy-table-of-contents
Advantages Disadvantages
Practical “Auto Insert” function No option for minimum word count for displaying table of contents
Support for Rank Math (SEO optimization) When the table moves down the page as the user scrolls, this can sometimes lead to display problems
Individual, intuitive operation with versatile setting and design options, e.g. for post type, heading structure, and format Support isn’t optimal when problems arise
### Table of Contents Plus [Table of Contents Plus](https://wordpress.org/plugins/table-of-contents-plus/ "Table of Contents Plus") is one of the most popular plugins for a WordPress table of contents and is also the basis of the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin. It impresses with its easy operation and flexible settings for the design, the structure, the placement, and the composition of the table. The table can also be visibly integrated in the sidebar and the user experience can be optimized through **smooth scrolling**. Optionally, you can choose whether the table of contents is displayed in an expanded way as default or if the reader should expand it. Particularly clear: TOC+ can be used to generate an additional **sitemap** that shows all subpages and posts. [![Image: Download page for the “Table of Contents Plus” plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/9/4/csm_wp_inhalt02_en_545a97ce5e.webp "Download page for the “Table of Contents Plus” plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wp_inhalt02_en.png) The “TOC+” plugin boasts user-friendly operation and many features such as smooth scrolling and additional sitemaps. / Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/table-of-contents-plus/
Advantages Disadvantages
Best-known plugin with many individual setting options Long subheadings cannot be shortened in the table
Expand and collapse function for the table of contents Automatic activation means that no individual articles can be hidden
[WordPress shortcodes ](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-shortcodes-the-most-useful-short-commands/)can be used for custom settings Relatively long intervals between updates
### LuckyWP Table of Contents [LuckyWP Table of Contents](https://wordpress.org/plugins/luckywp-table-of-contents/ "LuckyWP Table of Contents") plugin is simple to use and offers many individual configurations to display and structure headings in the directory as needed in font size and style, color, and design. It includes an **auto-insert feature** and **search engine optimization** for Google Snippets as well. Directories can be displayed hierarchically or linearly, optionally expand and collapse, offer smooth scrolling, and are compatible with many WordPress themes, plugins, and page builders. Gutenberg support is also particularly handy. [![Image: Download page for the “LuckyWP Table of Contents” plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/5/e/csm_wp_inhalt03_en_5e847fcc81.webp "Download page for the “LuckyWP Table of Contents” plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wp_inhalt03_en.png) LuckyWP Table of Contents tool scores points with search engine optimization, custom TOC settings, and Gutenberg support. / Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/luckywp-table-of-contents/
Advantages Disadvantages
Very easy operation with many user-friendly configurations *No significant disadvantages*
Automatic or manual insertion
Compatibility with Elementor, Rank Math, WP Rocket, Beaver Builder, and WPBakery, among others
### Heroic Table of Contents [Heroic Table of Contents](https://wordpress.org/plugins/heroic-table-of-contents/ "Heroic Table of Contents") offers the **most important standard features** regarding individual configuration, structuring, design, and positioning. These include four different styles for tables of contents, hiding of subheadings, optional expanding and collapsing, and Gutenberg support. This means that the table can be integrated as a block directly in the **Gutenberg editor**, where it can be previewed for subheadings and directly edited or renamed without having to make changes in the text. [![Image: Download page for the “Heroic Table of Contents” plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/3/3/csm_wp_inhalt04_en_89320364c0.webp "Download page for the “Heroic Table of Contents” plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wp_inhalt04_en.png) With “Heroic Table of Contents”, you use the most important functions of a TOC plugin as well as Gutenberg support. / Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/heroic-table-of-contents/
Advantages Disadvantages
Simple operation with the most important standard functions Problems with jump links in tables of contents that should be split over several pages
Practical Gutenberg editor support and compatibility No option for sticky bar to scroll along the table
Headings can be renamed in the table of contents without changing the original heading
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The headline to be linked to

``` ## Conclusion: A table of contents enhances your WordPress site If you offer longer pieces of content on your WordPress site or blog, you should definitely use a table of contents. With this you improve not only the design, look, and clarity of your page, but also the user experience. Page visitors can **get a quicker overview** and jump to the parts they are interested in without having to read the entire text. In addition, you comply with the algorithm of search engines that read and rank pages. With a table of contents, search engines are able to categorize your page better and rank it higher. With **better SERP visibility**, you can increase the click-through rate. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-table-of-contents/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-table-of-contents/) for AI/LLM consumption.