A table of figures is a list of all the images, charts, tables, or equations in a Word document, with their captions and page numbers. It works like a table of contents, and Word can build and update it automatically, as long as your figures have captions. This guide shows how to add captions, insert and format a table of figures, keep it up to date, and fix common problems.
Quick Answer
First, add a caption to each figure: select it and click References > Insert Caption. Then place your cursor where you want the list, click References > Insert Table of Figures, choose the caption label (such as Figure), and click OK. To refresh it later, right-click the table and choose Update Field.
Step 1: Add Captions to Your Figures
- Click the image, chart, or table you want to caption.
- Go to References > Insert Caption (or right-click the image and choose Insert Caption).
- Choose a Label: Figure, Table, or Equation. Click New Label to create your own, such as Chart or Photo.
- Type the caption text after the number, for example "Figure 1: Sales by region".
- Choose the Position (above or below the item) and click OK.
Word numbers captions automatically. If you add a figure in the middle of the document, the numbers after it update when you update fields (press Ctrl + A, then F9).
Tip: click AutoCaption in the Caption dialog to caption tables or other inserted objects automatically.
Step 2: Insert the Table of Figures
- Click where you want the list, usually after the table of contents.
- Go to References > Insert Table of Figures.
- In the dialog:
- Set Caption label to the label you used (Figure, Table, and so on).
- Choose whether to Show page numbers and Right align page numbers.
- Pick a Tab leader (dots are common).
- Choose a Format such as From template, Classic, or Formal.
- Check Include label and number to show "Figure 1" in the list.
- Click OK.
Type a heading above it, such as "List of Figures". To include it in the table of contents, apply a heading style to that title.
Create Separate Lists for Figures and Tables
Insert one table of figures with the Figure label, then insert another with the Table label. Many reports and theses include both a List of Figures and a List of Tables.
Update the Table of Figures
- Click the table and press F9, or click References > Update Table.
- Choose Update page numbers only or Update entire table (use this if you added, removed, or renamed captions).
Word does not update the table automatically, so update it before saving or printing the final version. You can have Word update fields before printing in File > Options > Display > Update fields before printing.
Change the Look of the Table
- Reopen Insert Table of Figures and choose a different format; Word asks to replace the existing table.
- Click Modify in the dialog to change the Table of Figures style (font, spacing, indentation).
- Change the caption style itself through the Caption style in the Styles gallery.
Troubleshooting
"No table of figures entries found"
Your figures do not have captions made with Insert Caption, or you chose the wrong caption label. Add captions or change the label.
Some figures are missing
Those captions may have been typed manually. Delete them and add them with Insert Caption, or apply the Caption style and use Options > Build table of figures from: Style.
Page numbers are wrong
Update the table with F9 after editing. If captions are in text boxes, move them into the main text for reliable page numbers.
Numbers include chapter numbers
Click Numbering in the Caption dialog and uncheck Include chapter number, or turn it on if you want "Figure 2-1" style numbering.
Related: How to insert a caption in Word.
Related: Find abbreviations in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a table of figures the same as a table of contents?
No. A table of contents lists headings; a table of figures lists captioned items.
Can I link entries to their figures?
Yes. Check Use hyperlinks instead of page numbers in the dialog (for web layout), or Ctrl + click entries in the normal table to jump to them.
Does this work in Word for Mac?
Yes. Use References > Insert Caption and Insert Table of Figures.
Summary
- Add captions with References > Insert Caption.
- Insert the list with References > Insert Table of Figures.
- Create separate lists for figures and tables if needed.
- Press F9 to update it before finalizing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.