If you’re writing a thesis, research paper, or technical report, you’ll eventually need to create a list of figures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through Google Docs: how to make a list of figures manually using built-in features like captions, bookmarks, and links. While Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in tool for it like Microsoft Word, you can still organize your visual content like a pro.
Adding a list of figures improves your document’s readability and professionalism, especially in academic and formal writing.
Why You Need a List of Figures in Google Docs
Creating a list of figures is essential when your document includes:
- 📊 Charts and graphs
- 🖼️ Images and illustrations
- 📐 Diagrams or maps
- 📷 Photos or screenshots
It helps readers quickly locate visual content and makes your document easier to navigate.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a List of Figures in Google Docs
Since Google Docs doesn’t have automatic captioning, here’s how you can do it manually.
✅ Step 1: Add Captions to Your Figures
Each figure should include a descriptive caption.
How to add a caption:
- Insert your image or chart
- Below it, type a label like:
Figure 1: Sales Growth in 2024 - Use bold or italic formatting to highlight the label
- Press Enter to continue writing your text
🖋️ Tip: Keep the caption format consistent throughout the document.
✅ Step 2: Use Bookmarks for Each Caption
To link the figures in your list, you’ll use bookmarks.
Steps:
- Highlight the figure caption
- Click Insert > Bookmark
- A blue bookmark icon will appear next to the caption
- Repeat this for every figure in your document
📌 Bookmarks allow internal linking inside your doc, just like headings do.
✅ Step 3: Create the List of Figures
Choose where to insert the list — typically after your table of contents.
How to build it:
- Type the title:
List of Figures - For each figure, add a line like:
Figure 1: Sales Growth in 2024 - Highlight that line
- Click Insert > Link
- Choose the bookmark you created earlier
- Repeat for each figure
🔗 You now have a clickable, organized list of figures!
✅ Optional: Use Headings for Captions
If you prefer, apply a custom heading style to each figure caption (like “Heading 3”) and include them in a custom table of contents. However, this may clutter your main table of contents if not done carefully.
Tips to Format a Clean List of Figures
- Number figures in order (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)
- Keep descriptions short but specific
- Use consistent spacing and font size
- Align list entries neatly using tabs or tables if needed
🧠 Clarity and consistency make a list of figures easier to follow and more professional.
FAQs: Google Docs How to Make List of Figures
Does Google Docs support automatic list of figures like Word?
No, Google Docs does not currently support auto-generated lists of figures. You must do it manually.
Can I link figure captions in Google Docs?
Yes, by using bookmarks and hyperlinks, you can link each figure to your list.
What’s the best way to format figure captions?
Use bold or italic text, label them consistently (e.g. Figure 1, Figure 2), and place the caption below the image.
Can I include page numbers in the list of figures?
Google Docs doesn’t allow automatic page number generation for bookmarks. You must add them manually.
Where should I place the list of figures?
Typically after the table of contents or before the main body of the document.
Can I update the list of figures automatically?
No, you will need to update it manually if figures are added or moved.
Conclusion: Creating a List of Figures in Google Docs Made Simple
Even though it doesn’t offer built-in automation, now you know Google Docs: how to make a list of figures using captions, bookmarks, and links. This simple yet effective method helps you keep your document organized and professional.
Whether you’re preparing academic work or business content, a well-structured list of figures adds clarity and polish to your document.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
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https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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