TABLE OF CONTENTS - SORT BY PARAGRAPH STYLE

[NickiSorensen1]

I am currently working on a catalog like publication, with lists of sku's under different brand names. These different brand names are also under a few different umbrella companies. I have a table of contents already set up how I would like it with the brand names and the pages they are on. Now I need to have a quick reference guide at the back of the book which would be much like a table of contents, however I want it to list the umbrella companies with the different brands listed under each. I would like it to be like the table of contents with the pages listed, just not in page order. For example:

My table of contents

brand 1     1

brand 2     2

brand 3     2

brand 4     3

quick reference guide

umbrella company 1

brand 3     7

brand 7     9

umbrella company 2

brand 1     1

brand 3     2

Hopefully this makes sense!!

Thanks in advance!

[amaarora · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Something like an index?Create an index in InDesign

-Aman

[Alexandre Becquet]

Yes i think the index is the good way to to this.

[Barb Binder]

As an FYI, a table of contents (TOC) defaults to chronological order, but can be alphabetized.

If it were me, I'd set up a traditional chronological TOC for the front of the book, and then use a traditional index (defaults to alphabetical) for the back of the book.

[Alexandre Becquet]

Yes completely agree with you it's the same way in France

A question for a French guy FYI, means For Your Information, Is it right ?

[Barb Binder]

Yes, exactly—For Your Information. In this case, I used it because I think Aman answered the question, but just wanted to point out that there is an alphabetical option for TOCs that are overlooked by many. We answer the questions asked by the OP (Original Poster) but others will read these threads later when they have a similar question, so I'm thinking about them in my response. 

~Barb

[Obi-wan Kenobi]

Hi,

An interesting question would be: How do you create your index?

(^/)

[Barb Binder]

You know me, Obi-Wan—my job is teaching the InDesign feature set. I'd use the Index panel, as per amaarora's link, but I'm always happy to learn creative alternatives. Whatcha got?

[amaarora]

Hi,

Maybe a free script to try out some "smart" index creation?

-Aman

[Obi-wan Kenobi]

Aha! … "Free" scripts? Personally now, surely not! … My script prices begin at €0,99!!

… But I'm curious! …

My 3 new questions are:

1/ Where do we find "umbrella company n"?

2/ Are the Index entries already built -- screenshots --?

3/ What are "A", "R" and "S"?

(^/)

[Alexandre Becquet]

Not free scripts it's the free choice to the user

[Alexandre Becquet]

Thanks a lot, it's for my culture and improve my English !!

To create an Index is simple when you already do one but i think when it's the first time it can be a lot of work. But there's always a first time.

You can have a look at this article

https://indesignsecrets.com/alternatives-indesign-indexing.php

and a French script : Indexmatic

Indiscripts :: IndexMatic

[NickiSorensen1]

Thanks for the fast reply! I have it almost as I need it. My only issue is the section headers in the index. Right now they are listed under "A" or "R" or "S" but I want to change those to the actual company names... is that possible?

Thanks!

[amaarora]

Hi,

I believe its important to learn Indesign features in thier native forms without moving to using alternatives or scripts. A useful and complex feature (like index) has its own set of abilities...

Similarly, the TOC "sort by alphabet" technique as shown by BarbBinder​ above is another great example that shows how a feature can be made used to suit different needs.

Yes, you can have index entries fall under a category that starts from some other alphabet. See "Add topics to the topic list" section of the help page i posted above.

-Aman

[Alexandre Becquet]

I agree. What do I bring these are solutions and more. I think it is good to know all the solutions available. Then free choice to the user to choose the most appropriate solution.

[Barb Binder]

This conversation is moving away from your question. Are you creating an index for:

quick reference guide

umbrella company 1

brand 3     7

brand 7     9

umbrella company 2

brand 1     1

brand 3     2

If so, you need a two-level index where the umbrella companies are level 1 and the models/brands are level 2. For example:

And if you don't want the Index Section Headings (A, B, C...) you can uncheck the

P.S. And change the title in the Generate Index dialog box (above) from "Index" to "Quick Reference Guide".