Advanced feature of Writer

1. Table of Contents (ToC)

A Table of Contents is an automated list of topics and subtopics covered in a book or document, including their respective page numbers.

  • Hierarchy of Headings: To create an accurate ToC, you must first apply heading styles to your document text. Writer supports up to 10 levels of headings (H1 to H10).
  • Key Features: Entries in the ToC are automatically hyperlinked, allowing users to navigate directly to a section by pressing Ctrl+click on the topic.
  • Insertion Process: To insert a ToC, place the cursor where you want it (usually the beginning of the document) and select Insert > Table of Contents and Index > Table of Contents, Index or Bibliography.
  • Customization: The ToC dialog box features five tabs for editing:
    • Type: Allows you to change the title and protects the ToC against manual changes by default.
    • Entries: Options for setting styles for various ToC entries.
    • Styles: Used to apply custom paragraph styles to different outline levels.
    • Columns: Sets the number of columns in the ToC.
    • Background: Allows for the addition of a background color or a graphic (Bitmap).
  • Maintenance: Writer does not update the ToC automatically; you must right-click the table and select Update Index to reflect document changes. It can also be deleted via the right-click menu.

2. Using Templates

A template is a preset layout containing predefined text, graphics, and styles (like logos, headers, and footers) that helps create professional documents easily.

  • General Usage: All Writer documents are based on templates. If none is specified, a blank default template is used. To see which template is associated with a file, select File > Properties.
  • Creating and Saving: You can create your own template by selecting File > Templates > Save. Templates in Writer are saved with the .ott extension.
  • Management:
    • Manage Templates: Accessible via File > Templates > Manage Templates or Ctrl+Shift+N.
    • Importing/Exporting: You can import downloaded templates or export your own to share with others or store in specific folders.
    • Default Templates: Any template can be set as the default so that new documents automatically use its styles and layout.
  • Online Templates: LibreOffice provides a range of downloadable templates on their official website.

3. Track Changes Feature

This feature is a powerful tool for reviewing and editing documents when multiple users are involved, keeping a record of every modification.

  • Viewing the Toolbar: Select View > Toolbars > Track Changes to see the relevant tools.
  • Recording Changes: When “Record” is turned on (Ctrl+Shift+C), additions appear in a different color, and deletions are shown in strike-through style.
  • Reviewing Edits: The original author can navigate through changes and choose to Accept or Reject them individually or all at once.
  • Managing Changes: The Manage Changes dialog box provides a detailed list of edits, including the author’s name and the date and time of the modification.
  • Protection: To prevent others from disabling the tracking, you can protect it with a password via Edit > Track Changes > Protect.
  • Comments: Reviewers can insert comments into the document. These appear in colored boxes on the right side of the window with the author’s name and timestamp.
  • Comparing Documents: Writer allows you to compare an edited document with the original version by selecting Edit > Track Changes > Compare Documents.
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