How do I create an edge index for a book?

S

Sylfest

I want to create a quick index on the fore edges of a book, using shaded
blocks that bleed to the edge of the page, so readers can quickly locate
sections of the book. How is this done in Word? (and what do Microsoft call
this feature if not an 'edge index'?)
 
S

Suzanne S. Barnhill

It's usually referred to as a "thumb index," and, although it is possible to
do it in Word, you won't be able to print it full bleed unless your printer
supports printing to the edge (most don't). One way is to insert a wrapped
table (or table in a text box) anchored to the (Odd Page) header. Make the
table borderless, one column by the number of rows needed for the indexes,
and placed in the right margin, at the edge of the page. Set the rows to an
exact row height to space the tabs out. You'll need to have section breaks
between sections and unlink the headers so you can have a different one in
each section. In each Odd Page header, fill the appropriate table cell with
black or a color and reverse the text (rotated 90 degrees if desired) out of
it.
 
Top