Build an Ebook Table of Contents That Actually Works

Where to start

An ebook needs usable navigation, not just a page listing chapter titles. A visible contents page helps orientation; the reading app's chapter menu also needs to work. Build both from the same chapter structure when your exporter supports it.

Use descriptive headings and a sensible hierarchy. Bold text that looks like a heading may not be recognized as one. Avoid relying on print page numbers, since reflowable pages change with reader settings.

Create navigation from structure

• Apply the appropriate heading style to every chapter title.
• Choose which subheadings deserve navigation entries rather than including every minor label.
• Generate or update contents through the exporter after all chapter moves and renames.
• Open the exported ebook and test both the visible contents links and the reading app's menu.
• Check that front matter, chapters and back matter appear in a coherent order.

Repair a stale chapter link

You rename ‘Starting Seeds’ to ‘Choose Plants for Your Light’ and move it after the space-assessment chapter. The document may look right while a hand-built contents page still uses the old title or destination. Regenerate navigation, then tap that entry in the exported file.

Test the last entry as carefully as the first. A missing conclusion or reference section can go unnoticed when you only inspect the opening pages. If you include subheadings, use nesting to clarify the hierarchy rather than creating an overwhelming flat list.

Check your result

• Every entry opens its intended heading.
• Titles match the actual manuscript.
• The app's chapter menu works independently of the visible contents page.
• A chapter move followed by export does not leave stale links.

References and scope

Reference material checked October 28, 2026. The exercises and examples are editorial guidance, not results from a comparative product test. EarnDraft publishes this guide and sells book-creation software.

KDP ebook formatting guide