You open an eBook and tap the table of contents, but the link does nothing. Now, you are flipping pages manually, hunting for a section you know exists. It is frustrating—and unnecessary.

A table of contents is more than a list of chapters. It is the map of the reading journey. When properly built, readers can easily jump between sections, especially on devices like Kindles or tablets. When it is broken or missing, the whole experience feels clunky.

This is where thoughtful eBook formatting services come into play. A well-structured TOC helps readers stay engaged, improves accessibility, and gives your eBook the polish it needs to meet modern publishing standards.

In this blog, we will unpack what a functional TOC actually looks like, the common mistakes that break it, and how formatting it right can make all the difference.

What Is a Functional Table of Contents in an eBook?

A functional TOC typically has two parts:

  • The visible TOC appears as a page in the book itself.
  • The logical TOC (or NCX file) powers navigation menus on Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and other eReaders.

When both are properly formatted, readers can easily move around the book. This is especially important in structured formats like educational resources, scientific journals, training manuals, or textbooks, where navigation is essential—not just for convenience but also for practical usability.

In these types of content, readers often need to jump between sections, revisit references, or access specific chapters instantly. A well-built TOC makes that possible. It is also crucial for accessibility, allowing screen reader users to navigate confidently without losing their place.

A working TOC should:

  • Link accurately to each section or chapter
  • Follow a clear and logical structure
  • Appear in the reader's navigation panel

When these elements are in place, the eBook becomes more than just readable—it becomes truly usable.

Common Formatting Mistakes That Break the TOC

A broken table of contents can ruin the reading experience. In many cases, it is not intentional—it just stems from a lack of structure during formatting. Small errors in the setup can quickly make navigation unreliable, especially across different devices and reading apps.

Here are the issues that tend to cause the most trouble:

  • Links That Do Not Work: Tapping on a chapter that leads nowhere is one of the most frustrating problems. This usually happens when internal anchors or bookmarks are missing or improperly set.
  • Incorrect Heading Tags: TOCs rely on consistent heading levels (like H1 for main chapters and H2 for sub-sections). Without proper tagging, the TOC may not generate or end up disorganized.
  • Mismatched Chapter Titles: If the TOC says one thing and the chapter heading says another, it creates confusion and makes the content feel inconsistent.
  • Missing Logical TOC (NCX): A visible TOC page is not enough. Without the NCX file, the eBook may not support native navigation menus on Kindle or other readers, affecting user experience and even leading to store rejections.
  • Overloaded TOC Pages: Including every heading or subsection clutters the TOC. Readers should see a clear, manageable outline—not an endless list.

These formatting problems tend to appear when it is done using basic auto-conversion tools or manual methods that overlook essential structural steps. 

In contrast, when handled by a professional eBook conversion services provider with a thorough understanding of eBook formatting standards, the TOC is not just functional—it performs reliably across all major platforms.

Make Your eBook Seamless With Professional eBook Formatting Services

We hope by now the importance of a well-structured TOC in an eBook is clear. Trying a DIY approach is always an option—but if you prefer a thorough, professional result, it makes sense to work with a trusted eBook conversion company like Alpha eBook, known for delivering expert eBook formatting services.

They are among the top names in the industry, offering formatting support that ensures your content looks clean, functions flawlessly, and meets publishing standards across Kindle, Apple Books, and other major platforms.