Resolving Table of Contents Issues in Google Slides
Integrating or maintaining a dynamic Table of Contents (TOC) within Google Slides requires specific techniques. Here are solutions to common problems:
Problem 1: Creating a Dynamic TOC
Google Slides lacks native automatic TOC generation.
Solution:
- Manual Creation & Linking: Type your TOC titles manually. Use the Insert > Link feature or press Ctrl+K to link each entry to its corresponding slide.
- Bookmarks: Insert > Bookmark on the target slide first. Select TOC text, insert link, and choose the slide bookmark.
Problem 2: TOC Formatting and Updating
Manually created TOC doesn't update automatically.
Solution:
- Consistent Slide Titles: Use distinct titles for slides listed in the TOC.
- Designated TOC Slide: Keep the TOC on its own slide for easy access.
- Double-check TOC entries match slide titles.
- Update links if slide order changes (Right-click link > Edit Link).
- Reformat text styles globally using the Paint Format tool.
Manual Update Process:
Problem 3: TOC Link Misbehavior
Links may break or jump incorrectly.
Solution:
- Verify Link Targets: Hover over TOC entries to confirm link preview shows the correct slide.
- Re-link Carefully: If broken, delete old link. Select text and insert a new link directly to the target slide or its bookmark.
- Distinct Bookmarks: Ensure unique, identifiable bookmark names on target slides.
- Test in Present Mode: Always test navigation in Slideshow view.
Problem 4: Maintaining Consistency in Presentations
TOC can become outdated.
Solution:
- Dedicate Time for Updates: Allocate time post-editing to manually synchronize the TOC.
- Leverage Slide Numbers: Consider adding slide numbers near TOC entries ("See Slide X") for clarity, especially in print.
Additional Considerations
- Place the TOC near the presentation start.
- Use brief, descriptive slide titles suitable for a TOC.
- Employ consistent text formatting (size, color) for all TOC entries.
