Option
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn about format, style, and separator settings available when generating an index in Adobe InDesign.
Consult this reference when configuring index appearance in the Generate Index dialog box, or when troubleshooting why a generated index doesn't match your design requirements.
All formatting options appear when you select More Options in the Generate Index dialog box (select the Index panel menu icon, then select Generate Index).
Index structure options
|
|
Description |
|
Nested |
Formats subentries as separate indented paragraphs under their parent entry (default style). |
|
Run-in |
Formats all levels of an entry in a single paragraph. The Between Entries separator determines which character divides entries. |
|
Include Index Section Headings |
Generates alphabetical section headings (A, B, C) representing each section. |
|
Include Empty Index Sections |
Generates section headings for all alphabet letters, even when no first-level entries begin with that letter. |
Style assignment options
Apply paragraph and character styles to control index appearance. Edit these styles in the Paragraph Styles or Character Styles panel after generating the index.
|
Element |
Style Type |
Purpose |
|
Level Style |
Paragraph |
Controls the appearance of each index level (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4) independently. |
|
Section Heading |
Paragraph |
Determines the appearance of alphabetical section headings (A, B, C). |
|
Page Number |
Character |
Controls the appearance of page numbers but does not affect entries formatted with Number Style Override. |
|
Cross-reference |
Character |
Determines the appearance of cross-reference prefixes (See, See also). |
|
Cross-referenced Topic |
Character |
Controls the appearance of topics referenced. |
Separator character options
Control which characters separate index components. Select existing separators and type or choose replacement characters.
|
Separator |
Default |
Function |
|
Following Topic |
Two spaces |
Separates entry from page number (e.g., Animals 38). The corresponding Level Style determines the formatting. |
|
Between Page Numbers |
Comma + en space |
Separates individual page numbers or ranges. |
|
Between Entries |
Varies |
Nested is selected: Separates multiple cross-references under one entry. |
|
Before Cross-reference |
Period + space |
Appears between reference and cross-reference (e.g., Animals. See also beasts). The corresponding Level Style controls the formatting. |
|
Page Range |
En dash |
Separates first and last page numbers in ranges (e.g., Animals 38–43). The Page Number style controls the formatting. |
|
Entry End |
None (default) |
Appears at the end of entries. In the Run-in format, it appears after the last cross-reference. |
Special character input
To insert special characters in separator fields:
- Use the separator field's context menu to select common options (em space, thin space, em dash, and so on).
- Copy and paste special characters from the Glyphs panel (Type > Glyphs).
- Type metacharacters for specific symbols (for example, ^m for em space).
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